A popular walking track on Takarunga / Mt Victoria in Devonport will be upgraded next month to protect remnant features of the former Māori pā and improve the experience for visitors.
The track on the western and northern slopes of Takarunga / Mt Victoria traverse an historic pit and pā terraces, which are some of the remaining traces of the historic Māori settlement there.
The work will commence Tuesday 3 September and will take approximately 8 weeks to complete. The track will be closed to pedestrians for the duration of work, though visitors will still be able to access the lower track around the base of the maunga and the road to the tihi (summit). Signage will be in place at access points with a map explaining open and closed walking routes.
Nick Turoa, Tūpuna Maunga Authority Operations Manager explains that the location and current state of the track makes it a priority over others.
“Unlike other parts of the maunga which have been extensively modified in European times, this track winds over a relatively untouched terraced area with significant archaeological features. However, the current track surface is prone to erosion and is putting these features at risk. It is also uneven in places, creating a health and safety risk for walkers,” says Turoa.
The track will be upgraded with a new compacted aggregate surface that will minimise erosion and future disturbance of archaeological material, protect the natural form and shape of the maunga, and create a safer and more even walking surface for pedestrians. Steps will be incorporated at steep sections of the track.
“The type of track surface we will lay has been used on the Ōhinerau / Mt Hobson track upgrade with success and has attracted positive feedback from visitors. The whole project has been designed to have a minimal visual effect on the maunga.”
“Importantly, the upgrade of this track aims to avoid the use of informal paths which erode the form of the maunga and areas of archaeological significance.”
“Once complete, the upgraded track will be a great option for walkers to enjoy the maunga. Cyclists are asked to use the sealed road to the tihi (summit) only,” says Turoa.