Aucklanders will have another scenic bush walk to rediscover this summer as the Point View Track has reopened following upgrades to improve the track to prevent kauri dieback.
Work to spruce up the tracks at Point View Reserve, East Tamaki is now complete as part of the kauri dieback mitigation programme.
The upgrade started in mid-September and involved revamping 70m of steps, installing a drain and culvert and timber edges and gravel surfacing along an additional 400m of the track.
“It’s so great to have this important work done to protect kauri in our local patch, but also the timing is great to have this ready just in time for summer,” says Howick Local Board chair, Damian Light.
This project is one of many, as part of a regionwide programme funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate to address the council’s ongoing battle to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.
Contractors worked methodically, starting from the northern track from the carpark off Caldwells Road, progressed along the lower track, finishing at the southern end in steep and slippery terrain.
The project finished three weeks ahead of its expected completion date, which was December 2022. As work was nearing completion, people waited at the fence with anticipation so they could explore the track’s improvements.
“It’s a great transformation for the reserve and one to add to your list of things to check out this summer,” says Light.