Mount Maunganui. Photo: 123RF
Several tracks will be closed on Mount Maunganui / Mauao this week as track repair work takes place.
Tauranga City Council said the works include upgrading the surface, widening stairs, improving drainage, and track edging.
The closure is also an opportunity for the placement of stone sculptures across the maunga as part of the Mauao Placemaking project.
"The Mauao Placemaking project (Te Mahere Whakamahinga o Mauao), [is] a collaborative initiative between Tauranga City Council and Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao, (the Mauao Joint Administration Board) which sets out to share the rich history and stories of Mauao. Weighing around two tonnes each, the sculptures will be installed via helicopter at the Karewa Hairpin, Te Toka a Tirikawa and the Beach near Te Kawa," the council said in a statement.
Although no official records are kept, Tourism Bay of Plenty said nearly a million people were believed to walk up or around Mauao every year making it one of New Zealand's top scenic walks.
Council suggested that while works are underway, locals and visitors try other walks across Tauranga.
"[There's] the recently opened Marine Parade Coastal Pathway, Ōmanawa Falls, or Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park."
Council said it was important the track renewal works were undertaken ahead of winter when the ground conditions were colder and there's typically more moisture around.