Helicopter delivering gravel for Mt Parihaka track upgrades

A helicopter is dropping gravel on Mt Parihaka's Drummond track as part of track upgrades. Photo/John Stone

Fresh gravel is being delivered by air to one of the tracks in Whangarei's Parihaka Reserve today.

The Drummond Track on Mt Parihaka has been closed since mid February while it is upgraded by council contractors.

A helicopter has been ferrying buckets of gravel from the summit of Mt Parihaka to the crews working on the track since early morning.

Whangarei District Council projects engineer Rachel Mannion said the council hoped to have the Drummond Track open by the end of the week, following a final walk-through and check tomorrow.

Ms Mannion said the helicopter would work until just before dark tonight, then would finish off work tomorrow morning before 10am.

A helicopter swaps an empty bucket for one full of gravel at the top of Mt Parihaka. Photo/John Stone

This is the second time the helicopter has been used to help with upgrades to the track. About three weeks ago it was used to transport the timber for the stairs.

Ms Mannion said the helicopter would be used four more times, as the Dobbie and Ross tracks also receive timber and gravel during their upgrades over the coming months.

The Dobbie track is next in line for works once the Drummond track is finished, and the Ross track will follow.

The three tracks are being resurfaced, levelled off, and having new steps and drainage installed.