Tree harvest
The pine trees in Ōropi Grove had matured and needed to be harvested.
This was 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 posed 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 was conducted from both sides of the forest, starting on the Joyce Road side then moving to the Ōropi side, supported by a staged park closure.
- September 2024 to January 2025: Joyce Road side of the park closed up to the Waiorohi Stream, access through the Ōropi Road carpark only.
- January 2025 to early 2026: full park closure to harvest the Ōropi Road side and reinstate the tracks throughout the park.
Mountain bike track renewals and planting
Following the tree harvest, work began 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, who expertly led the design and rebuild of the tracks. The club also have aspirations to build new beginner tracks in the future.
The riding tracks have been renewed, and the area has been replanted with Silver Birch, Douglas Fir, Redwood and natives such as Mānuka, Kānuka, and Coprosma. The park reopened to riders and walkers on 20 February 2026.
New track signs have been installed across the park which identify the grade and direction for use of each track, and whether it’s a shared trail or for mountain bikes only. If you’re walking with your dog, please make sure you have them on a leash or under total control.
The project continues in 2026 with five further tracks to be added and the installation of permanent park signage to follow.
Enjoy the park and ride with care!
For more information read the media release
Information on other mountain biking tracks in the wider Bay of Plenty region can be found on Tourism Bay of Plenty’s website.