Upgraded sections of Ōpua to Paihia track reopen
Sections of the popular walking track from Ōpua to Paihia reopened this week after several months of repair and upgrade works. Two stages of remedial works to the coastal walkway have been completed but did not include the 325-metre section damaged by slips following Cyclone Gabrielle last year, near Richardson Street. A detour remains in place for this section of the track.
The first stage of works recently completed focused on the section south of the Paihia Top 10 Holiday Park through to Harrison Scenic Reserve (towards Ōpua) and included an upgrade to the track surface, new steps, boardwalk repairs and erosion control measures. Originally started at the end of last year, this work was paused to allow for the Christmas holiday break. Work resumed after Waitangi Day and took three weeks to complete. The trail from Ōpua to the intersection with the Point Veronica lookout side track remained open.
Stage 2, north of the Paihia Top 10 Holiday Park on Smith Camp Road (towards Te Haumi Beach), began in March, with upgrades to the track surface, new steps in the steeper locations and safety improvements. This stage took six weeks to complete.
A realignment of the track between the Paihia Top 10 campground (to the north) and the start of the boardwalk (to the south) will mean a 7m wall originally planned for this section is no longer required. The realignment will provide for the improved longevity of the track and safety for track users and will not have an effect on existing access to the track.
Below - an example of a rock armour wall built alongside the track to protect it from erosion.
