Walking access to one of Coromandel's most picturesque bays is set to be restored, with DOC confirming it will repair the track to Waimata Gemstone Bay.
Tracks to Gemstone and Stingray bays were damaged in the same February 2023 extreme weather events which resulted in the extended closure of walking access to Mautohe Cathedral Cove.
DOC's Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says DOC has worked hard to assess the tracks and was pleased to find a good solution for Gemstone.
"A repair project will see a reroute of the existing track and a new 40 metre section constructed in time for the summer visitor season, all going to plan.
"We've explored a couple of options to reinstate access to Waimata Gemstone Bay and we've chosen what we consider to be the most cost-effective and simplest solution."
The new route will take visitors away from a slip risk area and will be much safer to construct. It will require some vegetation removal and the construction of box steps in places. The track will be gravel with wooden edging and connect with existing access stairs.
The reinstatement option also means there's no need for geotechnical stabilisation.
Nick cautioned Waimata Gemstone Bay and the track are still prone to coastal erosion, but the choice of a low complexity option means future repairs are likely to be cheaper and quicker.
"Reinstating the Waimata Gemstone Bay track will restore land access to a popular snorkelling destination within Te Whanganui-O-Hei Marine Reserve," says Nick.
"The bay's rocky reef has long supported educational snorkelling trips by local schools and provides both visitors and the community the opportunity to experience marine life in a marine protected area."
Investigations into reinstating walking access to nearby Te Karaka Stingray Bay, have highlighted significant difficulties, costs and visitor risks, Nick says. Other considerations are the cost to maintain hard infrastructure at the site and the long-term sustainability of having a track to the site.
"Unfortunately, this means walking access to Stingray Bay will not be reinstated.
"The current steps are gradually being twisted by a slow-slip landslide which over time will require significant maintenance if access is reestablished. Nick acknowledges there will be disappointment about the Te Karaka Stingray Bay decision but says it's a tough, but necessary, call.
"Geotechnical advice confirms the cliffs surrounding the beach are highly unstable, with active rockfall areas and limited practical options for mitigation.
"Visitors would be forced into hazardous zones by rising tides or walk near to unstable cliff – and we don't think that's sensible or safe considering the type of visitor who goes there."
Te Karaka Stingray Bay can still be reached from the sea. Anyone planning to do this is urged to check weather, sea and tide conditions.
DOC is working with mana whenua and the community to identify the best options for the long-term management and protection of Cathedral Cove Recreation Reserve.
With over 2000 tourism businesses operating in protected natural areas, nature tourism is worth $3.4 billion each year and is vital in supporting local communities like Hahei.
