Work is under way to repair a damaged section of the Coromandel Walkway.

The Coromandel Walkway, connecting Stony Bay and Fletcher Bay, follows the contour of the coastline and is a popular visitor site in northern Coromandel.

It was damaged during the extreme weather events of summer 2022-23, with large slips causing significant damage and forcing the temporary closure of a 670-metre section.

“In some sections, the landslips had taken out the track completely and it has been completely impassable,” says DoC’s Coromandel supervisor Matt Flynn.

DoC staff have waited for land movement in the area to cease – and now the land has settled, work has begun to recut the track.

“We weren’t willing to risk a repair with land movement still occurring – waiting for the land to stabilise was vital for this project to be successfully completed.

“We’re conscious this is a popular and picturesque asset which draws visitors to the northern peninsula, so we’re really pleased to have reinstatement work under way,” says Matt.

The reinstatement work has involved contractors using a small 1.5-tonne digger and also cutting back vegetation.

The contractor has cleared slips which were considered safe to remove using the digger, and the project focus now turns to work at the site which must be done by hand.

Track reinstatement includes a process called benching, which requires removal of soil to create a flat and safe track surface for visitors.

Contractors completed the first stage of the job on March 14, and their work will be followed by a team of DoC staff who will be using hand tools to complete the benching process along several sites throughout late March.

The resulting section of repaired will be slightly narrower than the original track, but will still meet DoC’s own day visitor standard.

Matt says once the physical work at the site is completed, DoC staff will install new signage advising visitors of the risks and urging caution should they choose to use the track.

“One of the most important messages we have for visitors is they need to keep moving through the repaired section.

“Although we’re satisfied the track will be safe enough to use, the repaired section is not a place visitors should stop.”

The track is set to be fully reopened in mid-April.

“We appreciate the community and visitors have been very patient waiting for us to reinstate this track – and we’re glad they will soon be able to again enjoy a wonderful Coromandel coastal experience.”

Visitors to any DoC site are urged to choose the right trip for their fitness and experience and prepare properly, including visiting DoC’s website.

Like our wildlife, our outdoors is different – don’t underestimate our dramatic landscapes and dynamic weather.

If you’re heading further into the great outdoors, be prepared with the Outdoor safety code.