Auckland alerts
For your safety, the information supplied is correct at the time of publishing (see below for dates).
Please be warned that weather conditions can have serious impacts on tracks. Always check with the DOC office nearest to your point of departure before proceeding onto a track. To report any safety hazards in the outdoors - call DOCHOT 0800 362 468.
Please also read the kauri dieback and Keep Hauraki Gulf pest-free biosecurity messages with this track update.
Central South Auckland Area
North Auckland Area
Great Barrier Island
Hauraki Gulf Islands
Central and South Auckland
Okura Bush Walkway (updated 19 January 2012)
The walkway will be closed for one day on Monday 23 January. Upgrade works are continuing, requiring a helicopter to fly material into drop sites along the walkway. The walkway will be closed for safety reasons during this activity.
The closure may be postponed depending on weather conditions.
Please be aware that sections of the track are currently muddy and slippery (hence the upgrade!).
Goldie Bush Walkway (updated 6 October 2011)
Mokoroa Stream Track is a marked route only and extreme care is needed. There are numerous stream crossings. Do not attempt after heavy rain. This route is suitable for experienced trampers only.
Te Henga Walkway (updated 6 October 2011)
The track is overgrown with gorse and flax in some places. Vegetation cutting is scheduled.
Mt William Walkway (updated 6 October 2011)
Track open. A new fence has been erected around Mt William trig. Access to the trig is still possible by negotiating the fence, preferably at a fence post.
The reserve section has had some slips. One big windfall is blocking a flight of box steps. Temporary track re-routing is in place.
Hunua area (updated 6 October 2011)
- Mangatawhiri (Te Araroa section) - the new section of track is open. See www.teararoa.org.nz for more information.
- Mataitai Forest routes - these routes are suitable for experienced trampers only. Hunting may take place in this area.
- Vining Walkway - this track is suitable for experienced trampers only.
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North Auckland (updated 6 October 2011)
Mt Tamahunga Walkway
Track is wet and slippery.
Great Barrier Island (updated 16 December 2011)
Bush's Beach Track
Track upgrade work has been completed.
Windy Canyon to Palmers Track & Hirakimata/Mt Hobson
Do not disturb black petrel nesting 300m and above.
Coopers Castle Route
Please note that this is a route and markers are few.
Forest Road
Be aware that service vehicles use this road periodically. Except for DOC and emergency vehicles, all motorised vehicles are prohibited from using this road.
Kaiaraara Kauri Dams Track
The upgrade work on this track has been completed and the track is open. This is now an excellent all weather track.
Whangaparapara Tramline Track
The track is slippery when wet so caution is needed. Care needs to be taken descending the north section from Aotea Road to Awana Stream.
Harataonga Coastal Walkway
This walkway passes through private property; please stay on the marked walkway. The Harataonga Coastal Walkway is not a mountain bike route.
South Fork, Peach Tree tracks and Mt Hobson summit
Mt Heale Hut will be bookable online from the 6th of January 2012. Until then beds will be on a "first come, first served" basis. Hut fees apply. Please pay fees directly to the hut warden or use the honesty box at the hut. Hut tickets/passes are valid but do not guarantee a bed. See the Mt Heale hut page for more information.
Some sections of the Peach Tree track are slippery when wet. Upgrades will take place in Autumn 2012.
Stream crossings from Hot Springs to the Peach Tree /Tramline track junction will be upgraded during Autumn 2012.
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Hauraki Gulf islands (updated 6 October 2011)
Rangitoto Island
Track times are indicative only. Please ensure you have plenty of time to complete your walk and catch the ferry.
Rangitoto Island is now pest free. Please check your bags and gear for stowaways.
Motutapu Island
Tracks are mostly poled routes through farmland containing stock. Camping is only permitted at the Home Bay campground.
Motutapu Island is now pest free. Please check your bags and gear for stowaways.
Motuihe Island
Tracks are mown routes only. Please do not go off the track. Camping is only allowed in designated areas near the wharf.
Motuihe Island is pest free. Please check your bags and gear for stowaways.
Restricted access to south end, 25 January - 7 February 2012
From 6am Wednesday 25 January 2012 - 8pm Tuesday 7 February 2012 there will be road reconstruction on Motuihe Island, from Wharf Bay up the hill south.
The road will be closed to vehicular traffic for most of this work other than construction machinery. In the interests of health and safety pedestrian traffic will be restricted to urgent traverse only and at the sole discretion of the lead contractor. There will be 'works in progress' warning signs placed and as necessary areas taped off.
Foot traffic may access the south end along Ocean Beach. This route is impassable at high tide.
360 Discovery Ferry company has been notified and at their discretion will advise intending visitors to Motuihe.
Kawau Island
Dispute Cove Track (sometimes called Miners Track) is permanently closed due to large slips. Dispute Cove is still accessable via a track that leads off from the Coach Road/ Coppermine Track intersection. Miners Bay Track is open but care should be taken as there is a slip on one section of the track.
Motukorea/Browns Island
There are no real formed tracks on the island. The island is no longer grazed and most areas may have high kikuyu grass. No overnight stays or camping is permitted on the island.
Motukorea/Browns Island is pest free. Please check your bags and gear for stowaways.
Waiheke Island
- Matietie Track - the first section of this track is only accessible 1 hour either side of low tide. Further along there is a slip on the track. Please negotiate with caution.
- Stony Batter tracks - Hooks Bay Track is missing some marker poles. Opopo Bay Track is overgrown.
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