UPDATE 12.41PM: Mauao will be re-opening earlier than scheduled.

"Thanks to timely maintenance and good weather, Mauao will open earlier than scheduled today," says a Tauranga City Council spokesperson.

"The maunga will reopen at 1pm."

EARLIER:

Mauao is closed to all visitors today, while contractors undertake aerial weed control.

The closure will be in place from 6.30am to 5pm, to ensure public safety, says a Tauranga City Council spokesperson.

"During this time helicopters will be used, weather permitting, to allow for effective spot spraying of invasive Pampas grass in difficult to reach parts of the Maunga.

"Security and barriers will be in place at Mauao entrances to advise visitors of the closure."