A project led by Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa (the Outdoor Access Commission) is working with local volunteers to assess whether Aotea Great Barrier Island’s network of unformed legal roads, or ULRs, could be opened up to provide safe public walking access between key settlements.
The initiative, supported by local funding, aims to improve access between areas such as Tryphena, Claris, Okupe, Okupu, Kaitoke Lane, and Whangaparapara.
Herenga ā Nuku is the government agency responsible for public access to the outdoors, including walking, tramping and hunting, and sightseeing.
Dot Dalziell, the Regional Field Advisor coordinating the project, said, “While there is public right of access along ULRs, what we are exploring is whether there is practical access on foot, and whether we would propose route marking.”
In March, Dot joined local volunteers on the project’s first walkover, from Okupe South to Kaitoke Lane, to check the track conditions. “This is a walkable route – and we talked to people who have walked it in the past!” she said. The route was found to have a moderate gradient suitable for walkers with reasonable fitness.
The project is engaging with Auckland Transport, and is also in conversation with the Department of Conservation about improving public access to otherwise landlocked conservation areas. Cultural input is being sought from Ngāti Rehua Ngāti Wai Ki Aotea, and a Kauri Dieback Hygiene Plan has been developed with Auckland Council to ensure environmental protections are in place.
As well as providing locals with quicker walking alternatives between townships, the project brings wider benefits. Marked walking routes will help visitors and tourists understand where they are allowed to walk, reducing the risk of trespassing onto private land.
Improving pedestrian connections – it’s hoped, also reduces the need for vehicle trips, and walking along narrow lanes and roads. In addition, local conservation groups have suggested the efforts could help with vegetation management, and predator control, by making more areas reachable on foot.
The project is currently seeking volunteers and encourages interested residents to sign up for updates through the project page on the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa website.
