The track to Cathedral Cove, in its current condition, is not safe so will remain closed, DOC says. Photo: Supplied
The decision on whether a new Cathedral Cove track is feasible and safe should be known within a few months, DOC says.
Overland access has been closed to the cove since last February, after extensive damage caused by extreme weather events, including Cyclone Gabrielle.
The slip at the cove at the time of Cyclone Gabrielle last February. Photo: RNZ/Matthew Theunissen
DOC's Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki regional director Tinaka Mearns said the department's goal remains to reopen the track.
"But it must be done safely and in a durable and pragmatic way that lasts. Short-term solutions which do not offer an experience resilient to climate change are not viable as far as we're concerned - we need to invest sensibly."
Land stability remains a key issue and Mearns said the department has commissioned more monitoring of land stability, the results of which were expected in June.
"A key aspect of [monitoring] has been ensuring the hillside is not moving, and we have stable land to explore what resilient long-term track rerouting options could work."
In the meantime, Mearns said from February through to April, DOC staff will work alongside Ngāti Hei to develop options, which will then be shared for wider public engagement - including an online survey.
She said DOC was very aware of the importance of the Cathedral Cove track to the local tourism economy. However, it was vital to have a robust, detailed and properly resourced plan for the site, to ensure visitors ultimately had a safe and enjoyable experience.
Mearns noted that Coromandel has been busy this summer.
"Coromandel has faced a succession of difficult summers in recent years, so to hear about local businesses being well supported by holidaymakers is great for the wider community and the region's economy."
She re-emphasised the track to Cathedral Cove, in its current condition, was not safe so would remain closed.
Visitors are urged to consider options for marine-based experiences for Cathedral Cove, the tracks and lookouts made available for this summer, and exploring the wider Coromandel Peninsula.