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The Kauri Walks tracks in Waipoua Forest will be closed from Wednesday, March 11, 2026 until the end of October while major upgrades are carried out to protect the forest and enhance the visitor experience.
The closure will allow contractors to install new infrastructure designed to safeguard the forest’s Rākau Rangatira (chiefly trees) from kauri dieback disease while improving access for visitors.
The work forms part of the wider Rākau Rangatira project, a partnership between the Department of Conservation and Te Roroa aimed at protecting Waipoua’s ancient kauri while strengthening the visitor experience.
DOC Northern North Island regional director Sue Reed-Thomas says forest health remains the top priority.
“Forest health is our top priority, and we are focused on delivering a memorable experience so visitors who come here walk away wanting to help protect this incredible taonga for future generations,” Sue says.
“Partnership is a key element of the Rākau Rangatira kaupapa. We work alongside Te Roroa to share this significant milestone of getting work underway.”
The upgrade will include construction of a 1.5km boardwalk, with all work carried out under strict biosecurity protocols approved and monitored by Kauri Ora, DOC and Tiakina Kauri.
The project will also allow improved access to the Four Sisters and open previously inaccessible parts of Waipoua Forest, including rare kauri gumland wetlands.
Te Roroa representative Piripi Moore says the works represent another step forward in protecting the ngahere while deepening visitor understanding of the forest.
“This phase is about more than new infrastructure,” Piripi says.
“When people understand the cultural and ecological significance of Waipoua, they become part of its protection. Our hope is that every manuhiri leaves inspired by these rākau rangatira and with a deeper awareness of their responsibility to uphold the mauri of the ngahere.”
Piripi says Te Roroa kaimahi will play an active role throughout the construction process.
“For Te Roroa, this is kaitiakitanga in action. We are proud that our kaimahi will be involved throughout construction, visibly upholding our role as mana whenua and our commitment to safeguard this taonga for ngā uri whakatipu.”
Main contractor Keir Projects will lead the construction work, with teams experienced in working in remote and environmentally sensitive locations.
The Four Sisters track has been closed since 2019 due to the threat posed by the pathogen responsible for kauri dieback disease.
While Kauri Walks will be closed during the upgrade, Tāne Mahuta will remain open to visitors.
Kauri Walks (Te Matua Ngahere) and the Four Sisters are expected to reopen in October 2026.
