Source: Auckland Council
Some of our west coast communities, including Piha, Muriwai and Karekare, were severely impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle and for many people in those communities, these impacts are still being keenly felt.
As a result, three of our regional parks in the west remain closed for safety reasons: Muriwai Regional Park, Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park and Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. Cordons remain in place and access is limited to residents and emergency personnel only.
All other regional parks are open, however, some tracks will be closed due to slips or dangerous trees, and we ask the public to respect all closures and not remove any barriers or signage.
As we move to recovery, select areas within Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park and parts of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park will be re-opening on Saturday 1 April.
“The areas that are re-opening in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park / Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa on 1 April are being reopened with the support of Te Kawerau ā Maki, as mana whenua for the area. Their advice will be welcomed in the coming weeks in our decision-making regarding the remaining closed areas,” says Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council General Manager, Parks and Community Facilities.
Karamatura Loop, Karamatura Track, Donald McLean Track and Donald McLean walk in Huia are also open this weekend. We continue to encourage visitors to check our map of open and closed tracks on the Auckland Council website before heading out.
Our park rangers and staff are continuing to assess damage and accessibility, with a view to opening more areas as soon as practicable, taking into account the impact on residents.
“There are safety concerns within these areas, such as limited public facilities or damage, like Kitekite Falls which must remain closed because of a slip. Assets outside of the parks have also been impacted such as the power network, roading infrastructure and the water supply.
“Our regional parks are well-loved and well-visited by locals and those from further afield. We want to reassure Aucklanders that this decision was not made lightly but safety must come first. Once again, thank you for your patience and understanding,” says Taryn.
Waitākere Ranges Regional Park
Re-opening on Sat 1 April
- Farmed area of Pae o te Rangi (farm only)
- Anawhata farmed area, Craw Homestead bach and campground
- All council public open space in Southern Waitākere, from Armour Bay/Cornwallis through to Huia and Whatipu
Remaining closed
- Karekare
- Piha (including Kitekite Falls)
- Anawhata
- Te Henga / Bethells
- Arataki
Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park
Re-opening on Sat 1 April
- The Prawn farm area at the northern end of the park.
Remaining closed
- The greater Te Rau Puriri Regional Park remains closed.
Muriwai Regional Park
Remaining closed
- All of Muriwai Regional Park, including Maukatia Gannet Path
- Access to Muriwai Beach
- Vehicle access to Muriwai Beach via Coast Road
