Work on the first stage of the development of Taranaki Crossing in Egmont National Park is under way.
The work started with a dawn blessing led by iwi involving the contractor, Department of Conservation staff and stakeholder representatives.
The Taranaki Crossing project has been funded by the Provincial Growth Fund and DoC's Tourism Pressures funding, and will improve several tracks throughout the park to provide visitors with a world-class visitor experience representing the maunga and its people. The Taranaki Crossing includes the popular tracks of the Pouakai Crossing.
DoC's Taranaki Operations Manager Gareth Hopkins says the $13.3 million project will upgrade more than 25km of track, creating a mix of short walks, day walks and a multi-day walking experience on Taranaki Maunga.
"DoC has worked very closely with iwi on development of this project, which is progressing well from an idea that came out of the region's economic development strategy, Tapuae Roa," he says.