No cars at Te Muri Regional Park
One of the most secluded beaches left on Auckland’s east coast will retain it’s ‘‘splendid isolation’’ as Auckland Council agrees no vehicle access will be developed through Te Muri Regional Park.
During the 1970s, the then Auckland Regional Council bought the original 33 hectare Te Muri beach land as part of Mahurangi Regional Park. The council then bought the remaining 382ha farm in 2010. Initial development plans for the park followed the usual option of providing vehicle access to the beach. However, independent commissioners agreed with a strong community push for Te Muri to remain relatively undeveloped and retain its ‘‘splendid isolation’’.
The relative remoteness of Te Muri, compared with busy Wenderholm and Mahurangi regional parks, should be preserved and enhanced, the Environment and Community Committee formally agreed to the plan variation on February 14. Over time the park will become a haven for campers, mountain bikers, walkers and eventually horse riding enthusiasts. Plans for a Mahurangi Coastal Trail connecting Wenderholm, Te Muri and Mahurangi Regional Parks also got a step closer with council agreeing to look into boat or bridge access across the Puhoi river or overland access including to Puhoi village.