Key Takeaways
- A section of the Motukauri track on Mauao will be temporarily closed from December 15 to December 17
- The closure is due to the pack-down of equipment after water reservoir maintenance work
- The closure will take place from 8am-4pm, Monday to Wednesday
- Alternative tracks, such as Waikorire or Oruahine, can be used to access the summit
- Te Ara Tūtanga (the base track) will remain open throughout the closure
Introduction to the Track Closure
The Motukauri track on Mauao will be temporarily closed next week, following the completion of water reservoir maintenance work. The closure is scheduled to take place from 8am-4pm, Monday, December 15, to Wednesday, December 17. This closure is necessary to ensure public and contractor safety during the pack-down of equipment after the maintenance work. The council has announced that the dates are subject to change due to weather conditions, and visitors are advised to check for updates before planning their visit.
Alternative Routes and Access
During the closure, visitors who wish to climb to Te Tihi o Mauao (the summit of Mauao) can use alternative tracks, such as the Waikorire or Oruahine track. The council has provided information on track locations, which can be found on their website at www.tauranga.govt.nz/mauao. This will help visitors plan their route and avoid the closed section of the Motukauri track. Additionally, Te Ara Tūtanga (the base track) will remain open throughout the closure, providing an alternative route for those who do not wish to climb to the summit.
Reason for the Closure
The Motukauri track closure is primarily due to the need to disassemble scaffolding and site fencing around the Mauao water reservoir. This work is part of the pack-down of equipment following the completion of water reservoir maintenance work on the maunga (mountain). The council has emphasized the importance of ensuring public and contractor safety during this process, and the temporary closure of the track is a necessary precaution to achieve this goal. By closing the track, the council can ensure that visitors are not put at risk by the equipment and scaffolding in the area.
Impact on Visitors
The temporary closure of the Motukauri track may cause some inconvenience to visitors who had planned to use this track. However, the council has provided alternative routes and access points, which should minimize the disruption. Visitors are advised to plan their route in advance and check the council’s website for updates on the track closure. By doing so, they can avoid the closed section of the track and still enjoy their visit to Mauao. The council’s efforts to ensure public safety and provide alternative routes demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the temporary closure of the Motukauri track on Mauao is a necessary precaution to ensure public and contractor safety during the pack-down of equipment after water reservoir maintenance work. The closure will take place from December 15 to December 17, and visitors can use alternative tracks, such as the Waikorire or Oruahine track, to access the summit. Te Ara Tūtanga (the base track) will remain open throughout the closure, providing an alternative route for those who do not wish to climb to the summit. By planning their route in advance and checking for updates, visitors can minimize the disruption caused by the track closure and still enjoy their visit to Mauao.


