DoC principal ranger Kelly Eaton said it was “past the end of its useful life and was removed for the safety of visitors”.
“We are currently reviewing the track network and looking to improve the safety of existing infrastructure.
“We hope to begin some improvement works in early 2027.”
The location (black circle) of the wooden pathway that has been removed from the loop track. Photo / NZME
Other wooden pathways remain in place on the walking track.
A nearby resident, who preferred not to be named, said it was “really odd”.
“One day it was there, and the next day it was gone,” she said, of that section.
She said after it rained or when the tide was in that section of track got “quite slushy”, and a wooden pathway seemed necessary.
“You see people standing and discussing and a bit confused, and some take it on while others take a different path.”
She said the walking track was particularly popular on weekends.
She noticed people were getting caught out with not wearing the right footwear for that section, now the wooden walkway had been removed.
A note about the track has been added to the DoC website.
“The boardwalk that joins onto Meeanee Quay opposite Nott St has been removed due to deterioration,” the website read.
“The path remains open, but it may become submerged at high tide.
“In this case, an alternative route is available along Embankment Rd.”
The Ahuriri Estuary walking track is about 4km long and takes about an hour to walk.
Dogs are prohibited from the track to protect wildlife in the area.
It loops around Pandora Pond, which was named after the Royal Navy ship HMS Pandora.