The Joyce Road side of the park will be closed from September 2024, and a full park closure will begin from January 2025 through to late 2025.
Tree harvest
The pine trees in Ōropi Grove have matured and are now scheduled for harvest.
This is essential to protect the water pipes beneath the reserve, which supply drinking water to many Tauranga homes from the Ōropi water treatment plant. Additionally, larger, older trees pose a risk of falling and could endanger people using the mountain bike trails, making this harvest essential for public safety.
Staged park closure
The harvest will be conducted from both sides of the forest, starting on the Joyce Road side then moving to the Ōropi side.
- From 23 September 2024, the Joyce Road side of the park will be closed.
- Until 6 January 2025, mountain bikers will be able to use the tracks on the eastern side of the Waiorohi Stream. The area will be fenced off at the bridge and access will be through the Ōropi Road carpark only.
From 7 January 2025 through to late 2025, the entire park will be closed to harvest the Ōropi Road side and reinstate the tracks throughout the park.
Mountain bike track renewals
Following the tree harvest, work will begin to renew the existing mountain bike tracks (intermediate, advanced and expert routes) and replant the area.
We’re collaborating with Mountainbike Tauranga on this project. The club also have aspirations to build new beginner tracks in the future.
Alternate mountain bike tracks
We recognise this is a significant closure and thank you for your patience and understanding during these works.
Although Ōropi Grove is closed there are other nearby mountain biking options including:
- Summerhill Recreational Trails – 319 Reid Road, Pāpāmoa Hills
- TECT Park – SH36, halfway between Tauranga and Rotorua
- Waitekohekohe Recreational Park – 360 Thompsons Track, Katikati
Further information on these tracks and information about other mountain biking tracks in the wider Bay of Plenty region can be found on Tourism Bay of Plenty’s website.