Te Matua Ngahere kauri

Image: Dubh | Creative Commons

Proposal to close tracks to protect kauri

Introduction

DOC is closing various tracks in the kauri region to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease. Submissions closed 10 August 2018.

In 2014, the Government provided DOC with funding to manage the human spread of kauri dieback on tracks on public conservation land. This resulted in the Kauri Dieback Recreation Project. As there is currently no proven cure or treatment for kauri dieback, we can only save kauri by stopping the disease from spreading. To achieve this, the Project has taken the following approach:

  • Upgrading tracks to protect kauri roots and eliminate wet and muddy sections
  • Developing and installing cleaning stations
  • Introducing initiatives to change people’s behaviour, as the evidence shows that people are the main vector for the disease
  • Closing tracks

Track closures

DOC is closing 21 tracks across kauri land to prevent the spread of kauri dieback. 10 tracks will also be partially closed and upgraded to protect kauri roots and eliminate wet and muddy sections of track.

The track closures are permanent, however a track closure may be reconsidered in the future should information become available that would ensure public access would not cause any risk to kauri.

The 10 partially closed tracks will be upgraded to protect kauri roots and to eliminate wet and muddy sections – ensuring visitors don’t accidently spread the disease by moving soil around with them. Sections of these tracks will be permanently closed.

The decision to close tracks was not taken lightly, and was considered in situations where there is:

  • high kauri dieback risk
  • low visitor use
  • high upgrade and ongoing maintenance costs
  • a similar experience provided in the vicinity.

This decision was made after a lengthy and public consultation process and the majority of public submissions favoured closing the tracks.

Get a list of the tracks closures. 

Email queries to kauridieback@doc.govt.nz

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Full list of track closures
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

Tauranga

Cashmores Clearing Track

Full closure from 23 November 2018

 
  • Kauri protection.
  • No longer has the original destination of the Cashmores hut.
  • There are alternative tracks available.

Tauranga

Mangakino Stream Track (Dicky Track-County Rd)

Full closure from 22 November 2018

 
  • Kauri protection.
  • Link track with no specific destination.
  • Alternative tracks available in the vicinity.

Tauranga

Wairoa Stream Track

Full closure from 20 November 2018

 
  • Kauri protection.
  • Alternative tracks available.

Tauranga

Te Rereatukahia Hut Track

Partial closure from 15 November 2018
  • Upgrade track from the  Wharawhara Link Track intersection to the end of the track (Cashmores to Te Rereatukahia / Nth-Sth Track intersection).
  • Close track from the entrance to the Wharawhara Link Track intersection.
  • Kauri protection - most dense kauri stand.
  • A realignment option was investigated but was not viable.
  • Access to the Te Rereatukahia hut is still available via alternative tracks.

Waikato

Kauri Route, Te Kauri Park

Full closure from 17 October 2018

 
  • Kauri protection - protection of the southernmost naturally accruing kauri grove.
  • High upgrade cost versus low visitor use.

Whangarei

Bratty's Bush Track

Full closure from 5 November 2018

 
  • Kauri protection.
  • High upgrade cost versus low visitor use.

Whangarei

Cullen Road – Massey Road

Full closure from 20 November 2018

 
  • This track is included for closure as it is the link track between the Langsview Track and Massey Road - SH1 Track which is being closed.

Whangarei

Massey Road to SH 1

Full closure from 20 November 2018

 
  • Kauri protection.
    Track does not follow the legal road alignment and sections are on private land.
  • Track goes through a production forest and is closed regularly due to logging.

Whangarei

Pukemoremore - southern section of Russell

Full closure from January 2019

 
  • Kauri protection.
  • High risk - infected forest.
  • Track has been closed due to kauri dieback.
  • Rāhui in place.
  •  Agreement reached with Te Araroa Trail to use an alternative route.

Whangarei

Te Ranga Trig - northern section of Russell

Full closure from January 2019

 
  • Kauri protection.
  • High risk site - links to the infected Punaruku Valley which has a rāhui in place.
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