March 31, 2026

#nature: Easter Visitors Urged to Protect Hūnua Ranges from Kauri Dieback

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 31, 2026

Aucklanders heading into the bush this Easter are being reminded to take extra care when visiting Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges, as efforts continue to protect one of the region’s last remaining healthy kauri forests.

The ranges remain free of kauri dieback, a soil-borne disease that has devastated forests across parts of Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond. The absence of the disease in the Hūnua Ranges makes it a critical refuge for kauri, with experts warning that prevention is the only effective defence, as there is no known cure once trees are infected.

With an increase in visitors expected over the Easter break, Auckland Council is reinforcing the importance of hygiene practices to stop the spread of the pathogen. The disease is primarily carried in soil, meaning even a small amount on footwear, bike tyres or equipment can introduce it into previously unaffected areas.

Visitors are required to use hygiene stations placed at track entrances and throughout the ranges, ensuring all visible soil is removed and disinfectant is applied before entering and leaving forest areas. These measures are designed not only to protect kauri, but also to prevent the spread of other environmental threats such as myrtle rust and invasive species.

The Hūnua Ranges are the largest native forest in the Auckland region and a popular destination for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. The Hūnua Traverse, a 26-kilometre route linking Clevedon and Kaiaua, is expected to draw significant numbers over the holiday period, passing through native bush, reservoirs and habitats for species such as kōkako, tūī and kārearea.

Monitoring shows that while most visitors attempt to follow hygiene protocols, they are not always carried out correctly. Authorities are urging people to take the extra time to properly scrub and spray gear, noting that a small lapse can have long-term consequences for the forest.

The message is being reinforced as a shared responsibility, with the protection of the ngahere seen as critical for future generations.

As the Easter break begins, visitors are being encouraged to enjoy the natural beauty of the Hūnua Ranges while ensuring their actions help keep the forest healthy and free from disease.