DOC Upgrading Popular Track

The very popular Manginangina Kauri Walk in the Puketi Forest is set to receive much-needed structural upgrades. 50,000 visitors annually use the elevated-wooden walkway which protects the kauri’s sensitive feeding roots yet allows visitors to get “up close” to the ancient trees.

One of Northlands few wheelchair accessible forest walks, the boardwalk was originally erected in the mid 1990’s and is now do for some repair. The upgrades, which will include replacing non-skid surface on the wooden walkway, are part of the Department of Conservation’s ongoing programme of track renovation and repair.

“Manginangina is perhaps one of the most beautiful interpretative kauri walks in Northland and it is a priority of the Department to ensure the it remains safe and accessible to a full range of visitors.” Explained Conservation Officer Jon Maxwell.

To minimise disturbance, the Department has scheduled the 6-8 week renovation to take pace during the winter months – the lowest use period.

There is likely to be some minor disruptions for visitors to the track although Mr Maxwell said everything would be done to ensure these were kept to a minimum.

DoC personnel overseeing the project have ensured that upgrades will maintain the beautiful and graceful feel of the existing boardwalk. Interpretative signage, which describes the Kauri forest ecology and gives history of logging in the area, will not be impacted.

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