The popular walking route through Wai Manawa / Le Roys Bush from Birkenhead to Little Shoal Bay has reopened following major repairs to tracks damaged in the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods.
Major slips during the floods washed away tracks, boardwalks and surrounding native bush, leaving parts of the popular route inaccessible until repairs were completed in October.
Kaipātiki Local Board Chair, Danielle Grant says the reopening restores an important connection for the community.
“Wai Manawa / Le Roys Bush is such a special place for our community, and it’s wonderful to see people able to enjoy the full route between Birkenhead and Little Shoal Bay again,” she said.
“The 2023 floods caused extensive damage, so reopening these tracks is a significant milestone. Thank you to everyone involved in restoring the route, as well as the local volunteers and neighbours who continue to care for the bush.
“We encourage everyone to get back out and enjoy the track, while continuing to use the cleaning stations and stay on the formed paths to help protect our native trees.
Repairs across three major slip sites included new tracks, stairs and boardwalks, as well as a new 17m timber bridge positioned away from the existing slip path. A new track and boxed steps also take walkers safely around an unstable area.
The physical repairs cost $295,531, with most of the work funded through Auckland Council’s regional slips budget, while the Kaipātiki Local Board funded and led the design.
