Moanataiari Track

On 20th October 2024, a group of volunteers met to clear the track entrance to the Moanataiari Link Track.

Overgrown with tree privet, tradescantia, morning glory, honeysuckle and more, we spent the time removing rubbish and weeds, spreading thick mulch, and planting.

The drought-like summer killed off some of the plantings, but ongoing maintenance to continue to remove weeds and replace trees means it’s looking great again now.

The track has been officially handed over to DoC, who have installed signposts and a boot washing station. Now, you can take an historic walk through regenerating bush and mining remnants, to enjoy the incredible views over Thames, the Firth, and the Hauraki Plains beyond.

On 30th August 2025, a group of TEA members and public volunteers met at the lookout to replant it. We chose low and medium native grasses, including mapere (Gahnia setifolia), pukio (Carex virgata), wharariki (Phormium cookianum), some smaller bushes of Coprosma rhamnoides, and a rugged, prostrate Muelenbeckia axillaris which we hope will spread and cover most of the ground. Big thanks to Pare Hauraki for supplying most of the plants, to the generous donors for the money to buy them, and to everyone who put in the hard mahi on the day!

Ongoing work will be needed to address the climbing asparagus, tradescantia, wattles, and pines, and of course the ongoing weed control and watering at the entrance.

If you haven’t already, add your email to our mailing list to keep up to date with the next working bees here (link in the footer).

Thanks to everyone who had a hand in the creation of Thames’ latest track!