A major day walk has reopened in the Waitakere Ranges, making it the only significant bush walk that is open in the west.

DOC has reopened all tracks in Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve, near Te Henga/Bethells Beach, following an extensive upgrade.

The reserve includes a 4-5hr loop track, linking the Goldie Bush Walkway, Mokoroa Stream and Mokoroa Falls tracks.

It’s the first reserve to reopen after Auckland Council closed all day walks in the forested areas of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park in May. The DOC reserve was closed in March to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.

Three new walk-through cleaning stations have been installed at track entrances. DOC has also installed further drainage and spread approximately 1.5km of stone chips.

“This upgrade work will ensure the tracks stay mud-free in all conditions and keep kauri safe,” DOC Auckland mainland operations manager Kirsty Prior said.

A controlled area notice (CAN) has been placed on the reserve and tracks, meaning it is an offence to enter or leave the track with visible soil on your footwear or other equipment. Penalties for failing to comply include up to a three-month prison sentence or a $50,000 fine.

“The CAN is well signposted and track ambassadors will be stationed at the cleaning stations throughout summer, from Labour Day Weekend,” Prior said.

“The track ambassadors will ensure people are using the stations properly and complying with the CAN.”

There’s currently no proven cure or treatment for kauri dieback and upgrading or closing tracks and ensuring the public cleans equipment before entering or leaving kauri forest is the only way to stop it spreading.

“We need everyone to play their part to help save kauri for future generations.”