Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house
Date: 26 May 2025
Nikau Walk, on the northeastern side of Pirongia Forest Park, provides access to the Kaniwhaniwha campsite and caves, as well as the Pahautea Hut and Pirongia summit further afield.
DOC Waikato Biodiversity Ranger Cara Hansen says the track is vital for DOC staff who need to service the campsite’s bins and toilets, and carry out other field work on and around Pirongia.
“The planned improvements include tree pruning and upgrading the track surface, both of which will improve the walk for visitors and make it easier and safer for DOC staff,” Cara says.
Signs will be placed at access points around the mountain to advise visitors of the closures, and alerts on the DOC website will be maintained until work is completed.
The track is part of Te Araroa Trail, and trail users are advised to use the Tirohanga track (which connects to Te Pahu Road from Limeworks Loop Road) as an alternative route. Anyone planning to use this section of Te Araroa should check the DOC website or trail guides for the latest updates on closures.
Alternative tracks to access the Pirongia summit and Pahautea hut include the Tirohanga track (access from Corcoran Rd), Mahaukura track (access from Grey Rd), Wharauroa Route (access from O’Shea Rd), and Hihikiwi track (access from Pirongia West Rd).
“We apologise for any disturbance the work will cause, but ensuring we have safe access for visitors and DOC staff is essential,” Cara says. “In the end we’ll have a better and safer walk; it’ll be worth the wait.”
Nature – including public conservation areas like Pirongia Forest Park – is our most important economic asset and largest stakeholder, sustaining industries like tourism, agriculture, forestry, energy, and fisheries.
More than 4,000 native species are threatened or at risk of extinction – that is more than any other country – and Pirongia Forest Park is an important Waikato location for their protection. It is also a popular recreation location for people who wish to enjoy forest experiences, such as tramping.
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