Mauao remains closed as repairs advance on 8 October
Published on 10/11/2026 at 06:48 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSKey points in brief
- Mauao remained fully closed to the public in Tauranga in the 8 October 2026 recovery update.
- Track remediation was under way on Te Ara Tutanga and Motukauri on 8 October 2026.
- A replacement boardwalk was scheduled to begin construction in late October 2026 and be ready by the end of November 2026.
- The Tauranga City to Surf takes place on 8 November 2026 with its historic 11km course changed to 8.5km because of restricted access.
Mauao remained fully closed to the public in Tauranga on 8 October 2026 as recovery work continued after extensive landslides. The latest closure update also set out repairs to tracks and a boardwalk, while the Tauranga City to Surf will use altered routes on 8 November 2026.
Mauao closure continues while track repairs advance
Tauranga City Council said in its 8 October recovery update that clearing and remediation were progressing on Te Ara Tutanga, the base track. Work on landslides affecting Motukauri, the summit 4WD track, was complete, but further work was still needed before that route could be prepared for public use.
The wider site remained closed because of public-safety risks. The council listed 42 identified landslides, permanent fencing and a 30-metre exclusion zone around the base and shore. The closure covers all tracks, access points and surrounding areas while risks are assessed and repair work takes place.
Mauao recovery adds a boardwalk project in Tauranga
The recovery programme includes replacement of a boardwalk outside the campground, after damage during the landslide events and subsequent works. Preparation was under way on 8 October 2026, with construction expected to begin in late October and the new boardwalk expected to be ready by the end of November.
The update separates repair progress from public access. Tauranga City Council and the Mauao Trust are working towards a staged reopening, but access remains restricted until risks from further slips, rockfall and track failure can be managed. A partial reopening of base or summit routes remains dependent on safety assessments and engineering advice.
That distinction matters for visitors: visible construction activity does not mean the mountain is open. The completed work on Motukauri is a step in the recovery programme, while the base track remains a complex work area and the full reserve is still closed.
City to Surf changes course around Mauao on 8 November
The closure also changes a nearby public event. The organiser's 2026 City to Surf programme lists the event for Sunday 8 November 2026 and says access restrictions have removed the Mauao base track from the course.
The half marathon and 5km routes have been adjusted to keep their advertised distances. The historic 11km City to Surf becomes an 8.5km course, starting at Sulphur Point and finishing on Main Beach. The 5km event starts and finishes on the beach, while the longer routes use roads, harbour paths and Pilot Bay instead of the closed track.
Visiting Mauao: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Mauao is closed on 8 October 2026, and the closure continues until further notice while landslide risks and remediation are assessed.
- The base and summit tracks are not available for recreation; the Pilot Bay boat ramp is open but remains in an active landslide-risk area and may be restricted at short notice.
- The replacement boardwalk is scheduled to begin construction in late October 2026 and is expected to be ready by the end of November 2026, so access around the affected area may change during the works.
- Tauranga is the reference city. Maunganui Road, Marine Parade and The Mall are open to vehicles and pedestrians, but visitors must follow fencing, barriers and exclusion zones around the reserve.
Searching for Mauao on social platforms
These links open searches for Mauao on each platform.
Frequently asked questions about Mauao
What has changed at Mauao?
The reserve remains fully closed on 8 October 2026, while track remediation and boardwalk replacement continue. A staged reopening has not yet been confirmed.
When does the City to Surf take place around Mauao?
The Tauranga City to Surf takes place on 8 November 2026. Its historic 11km course has been changed to 8.5km because access to the base track is restricted.
Where is Mauao and how do you get there?
Mauao is in Tauranga, New Zealand, beside Main Beach and Pilot Bay. Roads around the area are open, but the reserve itself remains closed behind barriers and fencing.
