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A bid to protect emerging and mature kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park, in Warkworth, and at the same give visitors a better chance to see them, has spurred construction of new boardwalks and observation decks.
Work on the $520,000 project started last month and is expected to be complete before the end of the year.
The works will include a 220 square metre observation deck, 200 square metre picnic area and replacement of 50 metres of existing track with a boardwalk.
In addition, the project will see the construction of an additional 50 metres of boardwalk, subject to resource consent approval.
The entire 100 metres of boardwalk will be wheelchair accessible and will incorporate two “mini rest areas” for viewing the scenery and where wheelchairs can be turned around.
The work has been initiated by the Auckland Council kauri dieback team.
Team manager Lisa Tolich says the project is a priority for the Kauri Dieback Infrastructure Programme and is being funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate.
She says the site hosts a large number of visitors on an annual basis and is considered the gateway to the Kauri Coast.
“The site has significant kauri ecosystems as well as high recreational value,” she says.
The viewing platform and boardwalk are expected to give good views of the 800-year-old McKinney kauri.
However, it will no longer be possible to walk right up to the tree – an effort to protect it from dieback.
The boardwalk is also expected to offer better views of the similarly aged Simpson kauri, but again from a safe distance.
Lisa says often the remote locations of kauri make it difficult to provide wheelchair access, but it was deemed appropriate for Parry Kauri Park, especially given it is a tourist destination that hosts visitors of all ages.
Lisa adds that a subsequent phase of the work will see the park’s western loop track upgraded in 2022/2023. This will see the installation of new boardwalks and stairs.
“We are currently completing the design and obtaining the necessary consents,” she says.
