Following significant rainfall in October, a section of the much-loved Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway has been out of action after a large slip caused extensive damage to the track.

The slip, which occurred between West End, Ōhope to Ōtarawairere Bay, is as a result of an extended period of wet weather and sodden ground conditions. It remains highly unstable. 

Manager Open Spaces, Ian Molony, says Whakatāne District Council (Council) is keen to see the walkway re-opened in its entirety and are working through the process of reinstating the track to its former glory.

“Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful tracks. It’s well used and loved by residents and manuhiri / visitors alike.” Ian adds, “However the damage to the West End section is extensive. A whole section of the track has slipped away, along with the hillside above it.”

“We know for many this has been quite disheartening to see. For this reason, we’ve worked promptly to initially inspect the site, and then get expert opinion on what our next steps are to reinstate the walkway as soon as possible.”

Ian says a structural engineer with significant experience has completed their assessment of the site and Council is now awaiting their design proposal for remediation.

“We’re expecting the design to be completed early in the New Year; following this, we’ll be in a position to secure a suitable contractor to carry out the works and get certainty on the cost of the track reinstatement and timeframes.”

In the meantime, the track will remain closed indefinitely between West End, Ōhope and Ōtarawairere Bay for safety reasons.

“As we know, good things take time; and unfortunately, the West End section will not be open this Summer. The good news is, there are multiple alternative routes to explore along the walkway and we’ve installed signage along the track which includes a map of these alternate courses.”

“Everything crossed we can all be enjoying Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway in full by mid-next year.”

Drone footage shows the extent of the slip on the West End section of Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway.