Key Takeaways:
- The Mt Manaia walking track has been damaged due to a large slip, with a connecting bridge being destroyed.
- The closure of the track will impact both tourists and residents who regularly use the area.
- Other tracks and campsites in the region, including the Cape Brett hut and track, Whangamumu Track, and Whangāruru North Head walking tracks, have also been closed due to storm damage.
- The region’s busiest tourism period has been affected by the closures, with over 10,367 bed nights booked at the Whangāruru North Head campsite between December 2024 and February 2025.
- The Whangārei Quarry Gardens, which were previously damaged in severe weather, have remained unscathed this time around.
Introduction to the Damage
The recent storm has caused significant damage to the Mt Manaia walking track, with a large slip destroying a connecting bridge and rendering the track impassable. According to Kubi Witten-Hannah, a regular user of the track, the damage is worse than what occurred during Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. The closure of the track will not only affect tourists but also residents who regularly use the area, as Witten-Hannah notes that it’s "one of the highlight things to do in Whangārei."
Assessment of the Damage
The Department of Conservation (DoC) operations manager, Rob Akuhata, stated that staff visited the mountain to install safety signage and close the track. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, Akuhata notes that "there is a large slip, however, it is too early to confirm the full extent of the damage or what the next steps or timeframes will be." The track itself has held up well, according to Witten-Hannah, but the bridge is "basically smashed, it’s just debris." No amount of maintenance could have prevented the damage, Witten-Hannah said.
Impact on the Region
The closure of the Mt Manaia track and other areas in the region will have a significant impact on the local tourism industry, which is currently in its busiest period. DoC data shows that over 10,367 bed nights were booked at the Whangāruru North Head campsite between December 2024 and February 2025. The closures will not only affect tourists but also local businesses that rely on the tourism industry. Additionally, residents who regularly use the tracks and campsites will have to find alternative routes and activities.
Other Closures in the Region
The Cape Brett hut and track, Whangamumu Track, and Whangāruru North Head walking tracks have also been closed due to storm damage. Nine trampers staying at Cape Brett hut were airlifted out on Monday after rough sea conditions and slips cut off access to the area. The Flagstaff Hill Track in Russell was also closed due to the possibility of a large tree falling onto the track. Other closures include the Puriri Bay campsite and the Waikahoa Bay Campsite. The Te Whara Track at Bream Head scenic reserve has been damaged, and users are advised to proceed with caution.
Whangārei Quarry Gardens
The Whangārei Quarry Gardens, which were previously damaged in severe weather, have remained unscathed this time around. Garden manager Thomas Nance expressed relief that the gardens were not damaged, stating that "there was some anxiety for sure." The gardens were closed for a period in 2023 following several slips during Cyclone Gabrielle, which destroyed years of hard work by dedicated volunteers. Nance has spent the past year supporting the garden in its recovery and is thankful that it has remained intact.
Conclusion and Precautions
The Department of Conservation advises people to check their website for up-to-date alerts on tracks, huts, and campsites, as their status could change. Users should stay alert when using these facilities, due to the possibility of landslides, washouts, or downed trees on tracks. Damage should be reported to DoC via 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). By taking these precautions, users can help ensure their safety and the safety of others while enjoying the region’s outdoor activities.