Date:  05 November 2026

The track is looking refreshed after an extensive 16-month project to replace a viewing platform, bridge, stairs and safety barriers, and tackle the long list of deferred maintenance.

DOC Operations Manager Jessyca Bernard says the track was closed to the public in July 2025 due to rockfalls and safety concerns.

"Geotechnical and structural assessments helped us determine repair options and methods for the cliffside site,” says Jessyca. “Following concerns about rockfall and multiple assets reaching their end of life, we worked with Ngāti Hinerangi, Ngāti Haua, and Raukawa iwi to upgrade and enhance the track.

“Landscape protection and engagement with iwi has been a positive experience for everyone, with future cultural interpretation opportunities being explored for this significant location.”

Jessyca says the project has been delivered on budget and within the expected timeframe for what has at times been a challenging build, with specialist skills provided to the project from Avalon Industrial Services and Walkway Solutions contractors.

“The site is very popular, and we are pleased to reopen a track that is safe and provides an exceptional naturing experience,” Jessyca says. “We and our Treaty partners are delighted with the result, and we think the public will be too.”

After the ceremony, members from iwi, DOC, and Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku and Matamata Piako District Council went on a hīkoi to reflect on the work everyone had achieved.

Tim Aoake, Ngāti Hinerangi, and Project Manager for Wairere Mahi, says iwi are thankful to all the kaimahi who have worked to ensure hikers are safe to enjoy the track.

“What we have here is another good example of DOC giving iwi the mana to collaborate and make calls that help protect our track and the people who love this walk.

“Yesterday was the perfect day to be reacquainted with our Wairere. The sun was shining and the birds were very vocal and curious, popping out to visit.

“For us as Māori, these are good tohu that the whenua is rested and reinvigorated.”

The track is on the western side of Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park near Matamata and provides excellent views of Wairere Falls – the highest falls in the North Island at 153 m.

Visitors can view the falls from the lower lookout platform before continuing to the upper lookout platform at the top of the falls, which provides expansive views across the eastern Waikato countryside.

The approximately 6 km return walk takes three to four hours and is classified as an easy to intermediate track.

Background information

The previous top viewing platform, a bridge in the lower section, and a small platform and stairs on the lower section were demolished.

A new top platform, bridge, platform and stairs, and safety barrier were installed.

The job also included boulder stabilisation.

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