DOC has announced it will permanently close 21 tracks and partially close a further 10 tracks to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.

The closures follow consultation on closing 45 tracks earlier this year. DOC said the majority of public submissions favoured closure.

In total, 11 tracks will be closed in the Hauraki area, six in Whangarei, six in Tauranga, four on the Kauri Coast, three in Great Barrier Island, and one in Waikato and Kaitaia.

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said the move was necessary to help slow or stop the spread of kauri dieback.

“I appreciate some people may be disappointed by the closure of a favourite track but I strongly encourage everyone do the right thing and respect the track closures to reduce the risk to kauri forests,” Sage said.

“Closures may be reconsidered in the future if additional science and other information provide certainty that public access would not cause any risk to kauri.”

The closures occur where there is high dieback risk, low visitor numbers and where the upgrade and maintenance costs are prohibitive, or a similar experience is available nearby.

DOC has already upgraded 54 high-priority tracks and closed 15 tracks and two reserves to prevent the spread of dieback. Sage said the department was looking at whether to upgrade or close the remaining tracks on kauri land which are yet to be upgraded.

It comes after the Walking Access Commission said kauri dieback presents the greatest threat to access in New Zealand’s history.

[table] Track,decision

Great Barrier Island,

Whangaparapara Pack Track/Link Track,Full closure

Whangaparapara Peak Track,Full closure

Old Lady Walk,Partial closure

Hauraki,

Booms – Orange Peel Corner Track,Partial Closure

Hihi Trig to Kopu Hikuai Road Summit Track,Partial closure

Devcich Kauri Track,Full closure

Hihi Stream to Motutapere Tt,Full closure

Waipaheke Motorbike Track,Full closure

Lynch Stream Tramping Track,Partial closure

Maratoto 4×4 Road & Extreme Loop,Partial closure

Moss Creek Camp-Pinnacles Hut/Hydro Camp Jn,Partial closure

Twin Kauri Short Walk,Partial closure

Wainora Tramping Track,Partial closure

Wharekirauponga Walk,Partial closure

Kaitaia

Kauri Bush Track,Full closure

Kauri Coast

Hukatere Track,Full closure

Lookout Track,Full closure

Toatoa Track,Full closure

Tutamoe Track,Full closure

Tauranga,

Bluff Stream Kauri to Waitengaue Hut Track,Full closure

Bluff Stream Kauri Track,Full closure

Cashmores Clearing Track,Full closure

Mangakino Stream Track (Dicky Track-County Rd),Full closure

Wairoa Stream Track,Full closure

Te Rereatukahia Hut Track,Partial closure

Waikato

Kauri Route Te Kauri Park,Full closure

Whangarei

Bratty’s Bush Track,Full closure

Cullen Road – Massey Road,Full closure

Massey Road to SH 1,Full closure

Pukemoremore – southern section of Russell,Full closure

Te Ranga Trig – northern section of Russell,Full closure[/table]