Bush tracks closed for work to stop kauri dieback spread

A 'secret' swimming hole just off the Wairakau Stream track at Whangaroa.

Seven tracks in the Bay of Islands are to be closed temporarily, for the safety of the public and contractors, while they are upgraded to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback.

The Department of Conservation will begin the process this month, and expects to complete the job in January 2019, the work including installing new gravelled tracks, boardwalks, stairways and hand rails.

The closing and re-opening dates for each track — Kerikeri River, Lower Waipapa River, the Oromahoe Traverse, Pukatea Track, Te Araroa Trail, Wairakau Stream and Whangamumu/Te Toroa — will be posted on the DOC website.

"Kauri dieback spores can live in the wet and muddy sections of tracks, so by taking away their home we reduce the chance of their spread," DOC Bay of Islands operations manager Rolien Elliot said.

"These new measures will help keep the risk of the disease low, as long as people do the right thing. Staying on the track and cleaning footwear and gear is still the best way to prevent the spread of kauri dieback."