The local iwi that put a rāhui on the Waitakere ranges forest says people can still enjoy the regional park without endangering kauri.
Lake Wainamu and the Te Henga track, both near Bethells Beach are among areas not affected by the rāhui Photo: 123rf
Mana whenua have put a rāhui on the forest in an attempt to stop the spread of kauri dieback.
Earlier this month Auckland Council voted against closing the ranges, but did close 13 of 172 tracks in the park.
Te Kawerau a Maki executive manager Edward Asby said, put simply, the iwi wanted people to stay out of the forest.
"We're not talking about beaches, or open grassy areas near beaches," he said.
"You should go up Lion Rock, you could go on the northern side of Lake Wainamu where there's no kauri, the Te Henga Track - that's just manuka and scrub."
There were still a number of tracks outside the rāhui people can enjoy, he said.
