The Four Sisters in Waipoua Forest have been closed since 2019 due to the threat of kauri dieback, but will reopen in October. Photo / Marina Van den Berg
The Four Sisters in Waipoua Forest have been closed since 2019 due to the threat of kauri dieback, but will reopen in October. Photo / Marina Van den Berg
Walking tracks in Waipoua Forest – near the iconic Tāne Mahuta – will close for nine months for work to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.
The Kauri Walks tracks will close until the end of October while the work is done, including installing a 1.5km boardwalk.
TāneMahuta, which attracted about 200,000 visitors each year, would be open during this time, having had similar treatment in 2024.
The Kauri Walks included Te Matua Ngahere, which was thought to be the oldest living kauri tree at more than 2000 years old, surpassing Tāne Mahuta by about 500 years.
Department of Conservation regional director Sue Reed-Thomas said the renovation would reopen access to the Four Sisters, plus open previously inaccessible parts of Waipoua, including unique kauri gumland wetlands.
The Four Sisters Walk was closed in 2019 due to the biosecurity threat posed by the kauri dieback pathogen, phytophthora agathidicida, discovered in the near vicinity.
Reed-Thomas said forest health was the top priority, along with delivering a memorable experience to visitors to inspire new generations of guardians.
The project was called Rākau Rangatira after the chiefly trees, and run in partnership with DoC and Te Iwi O Te Roroa.
Te Roroa representative Piripi Moore said the work marked an important step forward in the wider Rākau Rangatira kaupapa, which began in 2024 with the new Tāne Mahuta infrastructure and enhanced visitor experience.
This phase was about more than new infrastructure, including creating a world-class visitor experience grounded in respect, conservation and kotahitanga [unity], he said.
Access to Tāne Mahuta will remain open for its 200,000 annual visitors while the work is underway on the Kauri Walks. Photo / NZME
“Our hope is that every manuhiri leaves not only inspired by the majesty of these rākau rangatira, but with a deeper awareness of their responsibility to uphold the mauri of the ngahere.”
The new 1.5km boardwalk would be built by specialist main contractor Keir Projects, with robust biosecurity monitored by DoC, Kauri Ora and Tiakina Kauri.
Kauri Walks (Te Matua Ngahere) and the Four Sisters were expected to re-open for visitors in October.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
