Mt Manaia among Northland’s green spaces damaged in wild weather

A large slip has flattened a bridge and reduced part of the track at Mt Manaia to debris. Photo / Kubi Witten-Hannah

One of Northland’s most popular walking tracks has been left impassable after a large slip.

It is among several Department of Conservation (DoC)-run tracks and campsites closed across the region after severe weather.

Whangārei Heads resident Kubi Witten-Hannah spotted the slip on Mt Manaia from his home on Thursday morning.

When he ventured up the maunga to take a closer look, he realised the devastation was far worse than imagined.

The path and an accompanying bridge had been buried under a pile of storm debris.

Witten-Hannah said the damage was worse than what had occurred during Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.

The closure of the track would have an impact on not just tourists travelling to the area, but residents who scale the spot regularly, he said.

“It’s one of the highlight things to do in Whangārei.”

“It’s such a special place ... I’m a bit bereft, really.”

Witten-Hannah usually ventured up every Sunday morning, but for now, that routine would have to stop.

“The bridge is basically smashed, it’s just debris.”

Witten-Hannah said the track itself had held up well from what he could see.

No amount of maintenance could have prevented what happened, he said.

On Friday, DoC operations manager Rob Akuhata said staff visited the mountain on Thursday to install safety signage and close the track.

“There is a large slip, however, it is too early to confirm the full extent of the damage or what the next steps or timeframes will be.”

The track at Mt Manaia has been damaged in a large slip, damaging a connecting bridge as well. Photo / Kubi Witten-Hannah

“Our teams will be looking to do assessments on the most popular tracks in the coming weeks to understand the damage.”

The Cape Brett hut and track, and Whangamumu Track were also closed on January 19 after storm damage.

Nine trampers staying at Cape Brett hut were airlifted out on Monday after rough sea conditions and slips cut off access to the area.

The Flagstaff Hill Track in Russell was also closed because of the possibility of a large tree falling on to the track.

Other closures included the Whangāruru North Head walking tracks, Puriri Bay campsite, and the Waikahoa Bay Campsite.

Meanwhile, anyone using the Te Whara Track at Bream Head scenic reserve was encouraged to proceed with caution, with damage being assessed this week.

The impact comes during the region’s busiest tourism period.

A slip has damaged a large section of Mt Manaia's walking track, which could be seen from Kubi Witten-Hannah's property on Thursday morning. Photo / Kubi Witten-Hannah

DoC data between December 2024 and February 2025 showed more than 10,367 bed nights were booked at Whangāruru North Head (Puriri Bay) campsite.

Another popular place that had been previously damaged in severe weather managed to remain unscathed.

Whangārei’s Quarry Gardens were closed for a period in 2023 following several slips during Cyclone Gabrielle.

Whangarei Quarry Gardens' manager Thomas Nance with the new bridge to connect visitors, after the previous bridge was flattened in a slip. Photo / Denise Piper

Much of the west side of the garden had been obliterated, destroying years of hard work by dedicated volunteers.

The remains of the large slip, which flattened newly-built gazebos and the arid garden, can still be seen as a scar on the hillside from State Highway 1 in Kensington.

Garden manager Thomas Nance was thankful there was no damage this time around.

“There was some anxiety for sure,” he said.

Nance had started in June 2023, taking over from the former manager. He spent the next year supporting the garden in its recovery.

A DoC spokesperson said people should check the department’s website for up-to-date alerts on tracks, huts and campsites, as their status could change.

People should stay alert when using such facilities, due to the possibility of landslides, washouts or downed trees on tracks.

Damage should be reported to DoC via 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.