× Search

Render of new pathway

Hopukiore (Mount Drury) pathway upgrade and cave protection

We’re making it safer and easier to get around Hopukiore (Mount Drury) Reserve by improving the perimeter pathway and protecting the historic caves.

Hopukiore is a much-loved part of Mount Maunganui, known for its cultural significance, open green spaces, play area, and historic caves. It’s also a popular walking spot, with a track winding through pōhutukawa trees to a quiet restful space at the summit.

We’re completing a missing section of pathway on the Pacific Avenue side of Hopukiore with a new concrete and timber pathway. This will create a fully connected loop around the base of the reserve that will improve accessibility, create a safe link between roads, and ensure pedestrians are protected from traffic. The new pathway will result in the loss of one carpark, leaving eleven carparks along the Hopukiore side of Pacific Avenue.

We are also investigating the feasibility of a timber boardwalk to improve access on the steep and narrow sections of the Hopukiore pathway on Maunganui Road. If these improvements are confirmed, we will install this as part of the project works.

Cave protection

As part of the works, we’ll also be protecting the Hopukiore caves by installing a barrier to help preserve their archaeological and cultural significance, reduce littering and antisocial behaviour, and keep everyone safe.

These improvements are part of a broader project to enhance the reserve, which includes the Hopukiore play area upgrade, to ensure the space reflects our community’s values, honours our cultural identity, and is inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

Access during construction

During the works, pedestrian detours will be in place along the Hopukiore side of Pacific Avenue and Maunganui Road, with pedestrians directed to use the footpath on the opposite side of each road.

Stop/go traffic management will be in place at times on Pacific Avenue and May Street to allow for the safe movement of materials and construction vehicles.

The twelve car parks on the Hopukiore side of Pacific Avenue will be closed while works are underway.

The reserve will remain open, although temporary closures of the summit track may be required for safety reasons. If needed, advance notice will be provided.

 

FAQ's

During the works, pedestrian detours will be in place along the Hopukiore side of Pacific Avenue and Maunganui Road, with pedestrians directed to use the footpath on the opposite side of each road.

Stop/go traffic management will be in place at times on Pacific Avenue and May Street to allow for the safe movement of materials and construction vehicles.

The twelve car parks on the Hopukiore side of Pacific Avenue will be closed while works are underway.

Works are planned to start in June 2025, weather dependent, and are expected to take six to eight weeks.

The reserve will remain open, but the summit track may need to be closed for safety reasons. We will communicate any closures in advance.

One of the twelve existing carpark spaces will be removed to make space for the new pathway. To accommodate the new pathway, traffic lanes will be slightly narrowed, leaving room for only eleven carparks.

Hapū representatives have been providing input throughout the planning process specifically advocating for the integrity of the maunga and the safety of the people who visit.

Some minor noise is expected during the works, and we will do our best to keep any disruption to a minimum.

We’re improving accessibility to and around Hopukiore to ensure the reserve is inclusive and welcoming for everyone. While the wider Mount North area already offers several accessible facilities, we’re addressing key gaps—specifically completing a missing section of pathway on the Pacific Avenue side of Hopukiore and upgrading a short section of existing path that is currently too narrow and steep for people with limited mobility. As part of the broader project to enhance the reserve, we’re also upgrading the play area. The playground will aim to cater for a range of different ages, with a focus on improving overall accessibility.

Current accessible facilities in the area include:

Key information

Project type
Parks and recreation

Status
Planning

Neighbourhood
Mauao/Mount Maunganui

Key dates

  • Preliminary investigation works

    Mid May
  • Works on Pacific Avenue pathway and caves commence

    June
  • Pathway upgrade complete

    July

Who's listening

Spaces and Places team
Tauranga City Council

hopukiore@tauranga.govt.nz 
07 577 7000

Other ways to get involved

Tauranga is your city. We're working to make it even better.

Tauranga City Council, Private Bag 12022, Tauranga, 3143, New Zealand |Terms of use|Privacy statement

Back To Top