Tracks to Coromandel‘s Mautohe Cathedral Cove will be closed for two days this week to remove wilding conifers.

DoC Coromandel senior ranger Matt Flynn said the conifers are invasive weeds that threaten to permanently alter the unique landscapes only found in New Zealand.

Conifers were introduced to New Zealand in the 1880s. Since then, they have spread across the country from forests, shelterbelts and erosion plantings.

Flynn said there are five large wilding conifers dotted across Mautohe Cathedral Cove to be removed, and if left unchecked they are likely to spread the invasive species further across the reserve.

“Removing the wilding conifers supports our weed management and biodiversity restoration goals – enabling native flora and fauna to regenerate at Mautohe Cathedral Cove."

Contract arborists will be conducting the work, which will focus on areas above the rock archway and near the beach, on May 8 and 9, weather permitting.

The closure of the track is to ensure public safety, and visitors should stay out of the reserve while the arborists carry out their work.

People are discouraged from landing on the beach when the conifer removal is under way, and any visitors will be guided by contractors to a safe area away from the worksite, said DOC.

The walking track is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, May 10.

Invasive species, over-exploitation, habitat loss, pollution and climate change are putting immense pressure on ecosystems.

“What we do makes a difference. We have proven in many parts of the country that when we remove or manage the threats, restore habitats or modify how we use or interact with nature, it comes back,” Flynn said.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle.

DoC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.