Last updated: May 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.
Tracks affected by storm damage
Laird Thomson Track in Piha
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.
March 2025 update
Funding has been allocated to:
- assess geotechnical risks
- look into engineering solutions
- assess how repairs might affect the surrounding landscape and align with:
Tasman Lookout Track in Piha
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.
2025 update
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:
Lion Rock Track in Piha
This track is currently closed due to unsafe and unstable land.
2025 update
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:
Lake Wainamu Track (full loop) near Te Henga / Bethells Beach
Seven large slips and other storm damage have affected this track. Engineers estimate repairs will cost about $1.3 million.
2025 update
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.
Zig-Zag Track in Titirangi
This track is currently closed due to large slips.
2025 update
We will start repair work in late May 2025 and expect to reopen the track by late August 2025.
We will use a helicopter to transport materials to and from the work sites. These operations will take place in the open space at the corner of Mahoe and Titirangi Beach roads.
Expect noise and temporary access restrictions in this area during the helicopter operations.
We will provide more information in a letter drop to nearby properties closer to the helicopter flight dates.
Kitekite Falls Track in Piha
We have restored temporary access to
Kitekite Falls Track. Future heavy rainfall could lead to further closures.
2025 update
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.
Maukatia Gannet Track / Takapu Refuge in Muriwai
We are working with engineers and geotechnical experts to:
- assess options for access to the gannet colony
- monitor ground movement.
2025 update
The
track from Maukatia to the gannet colony reopened in December 2024 for the summer season. It will close again in mid-2025 for long-term repairs. The repairs will also involve moving the north viewing platform further back. This will allow for the natural growth of the gannet colony and nesting area.
Auckland City Walk / Te Piringa repairs
2025 update
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 in Karekare
In 2025 we expect to complete upgrades to the track and reopen it as part of the National Plan to protect kauri trees.
