People's often daily walk up or around Mauao will stop during the COVID-19 State of National Emergency.

Earlier today Tauranga City Council was leaving Mauao open and recommended users stick to the four-wheel drive track if climbing to the top, using the ‘keep to the left' road rule because most of the tracks are quite narrow.

Since the Government's announcement this afternoon that a State of National Emergency has been declared to curtail the spread of COVID-19 the council has now closed Mauao to the public.

Due to the volume of users, the narrowness of some tracks, no way to effectively manage safe physical distances or trace users, Mauao Trust and Tauranga City Council have closed all Mauao tracks to the public, a council statement says.

'The Trust and Council explored options to keep the popular destination open, including creating a one-way traffic system, however due to people's varying physical ability and bottleneck areas, it would still put people closer than the Government-advised 2m safe distance.

'Signage will be in place at the base of Mauao to let people know the tracks are closed.

'Although Mauao and McLaren Falls Park are closed to the public, there is no shortage of places for people to exercise and get some fresh air.

'Besides over 20km of coastline, Tauranga also has several parks, fields, walk and cycleways. However, remember to stick to places walking distance from your home, as driving is restricted to essential services only.”

People also are advised to stay away from playgrounds, and avoid touching playground equipment.

For more information about which facilities will be open in Tauranga visit the website.