Conservation Minister Tama Potaka officially reopened the walking track to Mautohe Cathedral Cove in Coromandel.
The Government has delivered on its promise to restore public walking access to the popular Mautohe Cathedral Cove. The walking track was severely damaged by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle in Summer 2022-2023. Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka thanked staff from the Department of Conservation, tangata whenua Ngāti Hei, the local community, contractors, and all others who worked to get the track open for public enjoyment.
The reopening is an exciting step in the region's tourism recovery following storms and COVID-19. The area draws an estimated 250,000 walkers annually, with visitors predicted to bring $12 million into the region each year. The work was enabled through $1.4 million funding from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
A second stage of development is planned to provide more resilient access to better withstand ongoing challenges from strong weather and land movement over the long-term. Minister Potaka reminded people to visit responsibly, keeping an eye out for themselves, others, and the place, and following sun protection guidelines.