A popular local track that connects the Titirangi community to the local beach has been reopened, as Auckland Council continues its work to restore safe public access, while protecting precious native ecosystems.
Auckland Council’s Parks Committee Chair, Councillor Ken Turner says the reopening of Zig Zag Track was a welcome milestone.
“We’re really pleased to see much-loved tracks like Zig Zag opening again — it’s a sign of the steady progress being made across the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park to get things back to normal after the extreme weather events of 2023,” says Cr Turner.
“Our communities have been patient, and it’s great to be able to share the news that more tracks are on the way, with Smyth Ridge, Kuataika and Zion Hill all set to reopen in the coming months.”
Zig Zag Track, which links Titirangi Beach Road to the shore below, is primarily used by locals heading down to the water. It reopened during the week after being closed as a result of the severe weather events of 2023, and has since undergone significant upgrades to improve drainage, stabilise the path, and protect the surrounding ngahere.
The CEO of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust, Edward Ashby, acknowledged the importance of the ngahere being protected and respected as access is restored to Waitākere Ranges tracks.
“We support the reopening of these tracks in a way that safeguards the health of the whenua and kauri. This land carries deep cultural significance, and we appreciate the partnership approach with Auckland Council to managing its future,” says Mr Ashby.
The work is part of Auckland Council’s ongoing programme to reopen tracks across the Waitākere Ranges with stronger safeguards to protect kauri and provide better experiences for walkers.
Auckland Council’s Manager of Regional Parks, Scott De Silva says the Zig Zag upgrade is part of a wider effort to restore local tracks damaged by weather and protecting kauri.
“Restoring tracks like Zig Zag isn’t as simple as clearing a path. Our contractors and rangers work around steep terrain, mature native trees, and ongoing flood damage — all while protecting the sensitive ecology of the area. It’s careful, complex work, and I’m proud of what the team has achieved to reconnect this local accessway,” he said.
Three more upgraded tracks are also set to reopen in the coming months. Smyth Ridge Track and Kuatiaka Track, which connect Anawhata Beach Track to Long Road track, are set to reopen in September. Work on the popular Zion Hill track in Karekare is due to be completed this spring.
The three tracks have been closed since 2017 to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback and to upgrade them to dry-foot standards, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
For more updates on track openings and closures across the network, go to OurAuckland.
