From tomorrow the park will be closed for up to four months to allow pine harvesting operations.

The harvesting will be on land adjoining and leased for the park, owned by Fulton Hogan. It surrounds the Poplar Lane car park and part of the main access track which services the park.

"It's a shame to have to close the park just as spring is arriving but the closure is necessary to protect public safety. We expect to re-open again in February so that people can still enjoy some summer park time," said Bay of Plenty Regional Council Kaituna catchments manager Pim de Monchy.

Mr de Monchy said the regional council was taking advantage of the closure to harvest an additional 6ha of immature pines on a regional council-owned portion of the Park.

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Fulton Hogan regional manager Gavin Riddle said the harvest was being started as early as possible to minimise the impact on park visitors.

Alternative walking tracks include:

Papamoa stormwater reserves
A series of pathways follow the Papamoa stormwater reserves, providing a walking and cycle link from Pacific View Road to Wairakei Reserve.

Kaiate Falls
Kaiate Falls (also known as Te Rerekawau Falls) offers well formed walking tracks, although quite steep in some places, off Kaiate Falls Rd.

Mauao (Mt Maunganui)
Stroll around the base or venture higher up to enjoy the breathtaking views this mountain has to offer.