Projects in west Auckland regional parks

Projects to restore walking tracks in our western regional parks.

Last updated: October 2025

Many of our walking tracks in west Auckland were severely damaged by the storms in 2023. We are working to rebuild these tracks and reopen them for Aucklanders to enjoy.

We have also closed some of our walking tracks to reduce the spread of kauri dieback disease.

Before you visit a regional park, check our map of walking tracks.

Only the upper section of the track (Anawhata Road to Te Waha) is currently open. Due to a large slip, the rest of the track is closed and needs major repairs.

Funding has been allocated to:

• assess geotechnical risks
• look into engineering solutions
• assess how repairs might affect the surrounding landscape and align with:
  • the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008
  • the Regional Parks Management Plan 2022.

This track is currently closed.

There are three large slips on the track. Access to 'The Gap' is only available from the beach at low tide.

We will focus the first stage of repairs on fixing access from 'The Gap' to the lookout where there is less damage.

Funding has been allocated to:

• assess geotechnical risks
• look into engineering solutions
• assess how repairs might affect the surrounding landscape and align with:
  • the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008
  • the Regional Parks Management Plan 2022.

This track is currently closed due to unsafe and unstable land.

Funding has been allocated to:

• assess geotechnical risks
• look into engineering solutions
• protect the track’s cultural heritage
• assess how repairs might affect the surrounding landscape and align with:
  • the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008
  • the Regional Parks Management Plan 2022.

Seven large slips and other storm damage have affected this track. Engineers estimate repairs will cost about $1.3 million.

Lake Wainamu Track is open from the car park to the lake, but the loop track around the lake remains closed. Repairs will take between two to five years.

We have restored temporary access to Kitekite Falls Track. Future heavy rainfall could lead to further closures.

Planning for the first stage of repairs is ongoing. Based on geotechnical and engineering advice, repair work will include:

• a new boardwalk and bridge for safe access across the lower-slip site and stream to Knutzen Track
• a safe walking loop across the damaged bridge on the Knutzen Track is expected to be restored from 2026.

2025 update

We are upgrading the Muriwai Gannet Colony Track from September 2025 to late June 2026 to:

• improve safety
• improve the viewing areas
• strengthen the track.

We will:

• replace old and damaged box steps, boardwalks and retaining walls
• improve the drainage and track surfaces
• build a new viewing area further up the hill to allow more space for the gannet colony to grow
• renew the existing concrete path and viewing areas.

September to mid-December 2025 (before Christmas)

Maukatia Bay carpark

The concrete section of the path from Maukatia Bay carpark will be closed on weekdays for construction. It will remain open at weekends and public holidays to allow access to the gannet viewing areas.

September 2025 to late June 2026

Access from Muriwai Beach

The track will be closed (weekdays and weekends) from 8 September 2025 to late June 2026 while we:

• replace staircases
• upgrade sections of the track
• install boxed steps and boardwalks
• build a 7.2-metre timber bridge over the sea cave.

We will begin work after the gannets and little blue penguins have finished nesting. This is normally between March and April every year.

Once complete, the track will reopen to provide access to:

• Ōtakamiro Point
• the gannet colony
• Fisherman’s Rock from Muriwai Beach.

April to late June 2026

Northwestern viewing platform

We will decommission Take something out of use and remove or disable it so it cannot be used again. and remove the northwestern viewing platform and its connecting track to create more space for the expanding gannet colony.

This work will take place after the nesting season ends. During this time, we will also upgrade the large northern paved viewing area. This will be closed for several weeks while we make improvements. 

• Breeding season protection: No work will take place near nesting areas during the gannet breeding season.
• Signage and updates: Closure dates and project updates will be clearly displayed onsite.

This loop track is now open but split into two separate walks. This is due to damage to the bridge linking to Upper Te Piringa during Cyclone Gabrielle. We are currently looking for funding for further engineering and geotechnical reports.

Tracks reopening in 2025

Zion Hill Track, Karekare and Smyth Ridge Track, Anawhata

We expect to complete upgrades and reopen these tracks as part of the National Plan to protect kauri trees.