Sections of the popular walking track from Ōpua to Paihia reopened this week after several months of repair and upgrade works.
Two stages of remedial works to the coastal walkway have been completed but did not include the 325-metre section damaged by slips following Cyclone Gabrielle last year, near Richardson Street. A detour remains in place for this section of the track, Far North District Council confirmed.
The first stage of works recently completed focused on the section south of the Paihia Top 10 Holiday Park through to Harrison Scenic Reserve (towards Ōpua) and included an upgrade to the track surface, new steps, boardwalk repairs and erosion control measures.
Originally started at the end of last year, the work was paused to allow for the Christmas holiday break. Work resumed after Waitangi Day and took three weeks to complete.
Stage 2, north of the Paihia Top 10 Holiday Park on Smith Camp Road (towards Te Haumi Beach), began in March, with upgrades to the track surface, new steps in the steeper locations and safety improvements.
A realignment of the track between the Paihia Top 10 campground (to the north) and the start of the boardwalk (to the south) will mean a 7-metre wall originally planned for this section is no longer required, the Council said. The realignment will provide for the improved longevity of the track and safety for track users and will not have an effect on existing access to the track.
