Mount Maunganui summit tracks both now reopened

Both walking tracks leading to the summit of Mauao have been reopened. Photo/file

Both walking tracks leading to the summit of Mauao at Mount Maunganui have now been opened again to the public.

Tauranga City Council have just announced the last track, which remained closed for just over a week, has this afternoon reopened.

The Waikorire track to the summit was one of two that were shut off since Monday last week for resurfacing work ahead of the Christmas season.

The Oruahine track was opened towards the end of last week but the Waikorire track needed more work done.

In the first two days, more than 255 tonnes of gravel was flown by heavy-lift helicopter onto the mountain. It took around 180 trips to transport the materials.

The council also widened 18 flights of steps during the week to allow for better two-way access.

Tauranga City Council's manager of parks and recreation Warren Aitken said: "The Waikorire is Mauao's most popular track - it's been used nearly 700,000 times so far in 2016 - and it should now be safer and easier for walkers and runners to use.''

The summit has been visited more than 807,000 times so far this year.