A popular walking track in Auckland’s Waitākere Ranges will partially welcome back the public this Saturday, more than five months after a devastating fire tore through the native bush, causing extensive damage and raising renewed concerns about the fragility of the region’s ecosystem.
The upper sections of the Fairy Falls track are set to reopen on 25 April, allowing visitors to once again access the scenic viewpoint overlooking the falls. However, the lower track, which provides access to the main waterfall and a popular swimming hole, will remain strictly off-limits as Auckland Council continues a complex and costly recovery operation.
The closure follows a significant blaze on 2 November 2025, which scorched an area of approximately 150 by 75 metres. The fire, believed to have been caused by embers from a campfire that was not properly extinguished, destroyed a large viewing platform, 80 metres of stairs, and a bridge that crossed the waterfall. The remote location of the fire meant firefighters had to hike for 25 minutes with their equipment just to reach the scene.
A costly and heartbreaking setback
The direct financial cost of the damage is currently estimated at $690,000. However, the ecological toll is immeasurable. The fire occurred in an area that had only recently reopened to the public after a six-year, $1.6 million upgrade to protect the forest from kauri dieback disease. This devastating soil-borne pathogen has killed thousands of kauri trees across northern New Zealand.
According to Auckland Council regional parks principal ranger David Markham, the fire’s long-term effects on the health of ancient kauri trees and other native flora within the scorched section of forest remain a significant concern. "Some impacts cannot be assessed in monetary terms, like the immediate impact on the health of ancient kauri trees and flora within this section of the forest," he said. The Waitākere Ranges are a taonga (treasure) for Auckland, a vital green space renowned for its rugged coastline, dense rainforest, and network of walking tracks. Waterfalls like Fairy Falls are among the top natural attractions for locals and tourists alike. The fire served as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of this cherished landscape, particularly after years of effort and investment to safeguard it, and the ongoing need for conservation efforts, such as when rescuing native plants in Blockhouse Bay.
Before the lower section can be reopened, it must be rebuilt to meet stringent kauri-safe standards. These measures, such as installing raised boardwalks and hygiene stations, are critical to prevent human foot traffic from spreading kauri dieback. These protective efforts are part of a nationwide programme to keep kauri standing for future generations.
A test of public responsibility
Officials are cautiously optimistic about the partial reopening but have issued a stern warning to visitors. Rangers will be monitoring the site, and there is a clear message that anyone who disregards the closures and ventures into the restricted lower track area will jeopardise access for everyone.
It is important for people to follow the signage and keep to the section of track that is open," Markham says. "A complete closure may be required to protect the forest and maintain safety, if visitors don't respect the ongoing closure of the lower track.
The council faces the ongoing challenge of balancing public access with conservation duties, all while managing a portfolio of repair projects across the region. Markham noted that resources are stretched thin, with many tracks still closed due to damage from the severe weather events of 2023, including the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
"We are undertaking several major renewals this year to restore a few tracks that have remained closed since 2023 due to impacts from the severe weather events," he said, highlighting the competing priorities for significant funding. These compounding challenges often put the council in a difficult position, as seen in other land-use debates, such as the Auckland Council appeal against a fast-track housing approval.
Hopes for a treasured recreational spot
Henderson-Massey councillor Shane Henderson welcomed the news of the partial reopening, celebrating it as a positive step for Aucklanders who cherish the ranges. He highlighted the significant effort involved in making even this limited access possible and echoed the call for public cooperation.
He stressed that the rules are in place not to inconvenience the public, but to protect the environment for years to come. The future of the track, he implied, rests in the hands of those who use it. The construction of new recreational infrastructure, such as the new path connecting Ballarat’s city centre, shows the value communities place on accessible outdoor spaces.
"Hopefully it won't come to that. Rules are there for our environmental protection, let's be good custodians of the rangers for the future generation," Henderson urged. "Don't ruin it for everybody else."
For now, visitors can enjoy the view from the top of Fairy Falls. The full experience remains on hold, pending the completion of repairs and a collective commitment from the public to respect the closures and help protect one of Auckland's most treasured natural assets.
