Rocks force closure of Waikorire track on Mount Maunganui's Mauao for safety reasons

The Waikorire track on Mauao is temporarily closed. Image/Supplied

Rocks have fallen down Mauao forcing the closure of Mount Maunganui's Waikorire track for safety reasons.

The Waikorire track on Mauao closed temporarily after rocks fell from the mountain onto the track this afternooon. The Waikorire track is the short, steep route up to Mauao's summit.

Tauranga City Council's parks and recreation manager Mark Smith said it would remain closed until it was safe enough for visitors to use.

"While this isn't a large slip, rockfall still poses a danger to visitors so we're closing the Waikorire track to investigate," Smith said.

Over the next couple of days, contractors will be assessing the area and conduct scaling work.

"Any remaining unstable rock will be rolled down the mountain in a controlled environment," he said.

It is expected the work will be completed, and the track reopened by Friday, June 15.

The summit will still be accessible via the Oruahine and 4WD tracks, and base track remains open.