A team effort has seen access restored to Ripiro Beach from Kai Iwi Lakes in Northland.

DOC closed a 2.3km track linking the beach and lakes last year, saying it didn’t meet the department’s safety standards and was mostly on private land.

The news shocked locals and holidaymakers, according to Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission.

Its regional field adviser, John Gardiner, teamed up with Whangarei Tramping Club and spoke with the owners of Kai Iwi Farm. The farm’s southern boundary lies next to the closed track.

The owners didn’t want an easement on their property but were happy for a new track to be established on their land.

“Rather than say there was no point putting money into it because we haven’t got any guarantees, we decided it was good enough,” Gardiner said.

The tramping club used a grant from Herenga ā Nuku to purchase materials for six stiles and signage, which club members installed. They’ve also agreed to maintain the track, which opened in June 2022.

Meanwhile, Federated Mountain Clubs is celebrating the return of access to Ruahine Forest Park from Mokai Station, near Taihape.

FMC is reminding trampers of the effort that has gone into restoring access and to be respectful of the private land the route crosses.

“Stick to the marked route, follow all the rules on signage that is provided, leave all gates as you found them, take your rubbish with you and give a friendly wave to any of the farm workers you see.”