Drummond Track reconstruction

• Project typePark
• Project value$347,000
• Project scheduleApril to July 2026
• Contractor nameMilton Harwood
• Completion Date07 July 2026

We restored and improved Drummond Track following damage from previous weather events.

This project focused on improving track safety, enhancing the visitor experience, and protecting the cultural and environmental values of the surrounding area.

These upgrades make the track more resilient, safer to use, and better aligned with long-term conservation and heritage outcomes.

Photo by Frame Group Ltd. 

What we did

• Constructed low boardwalks to protect culturally significant areas, including the remains of historic pā site palisades. These structures allow visitors to move through the area without disturbing sensitive ground surfaces.
• Constructed a new flight of stairs to improve access on steeper sections of the track.
• Installed Kauri Ora regulation track surfacing, designed to minimise soil disturbance and protect kauri root zones.
• Installed imported aggregate surfaces to create durable sections of track.
• Removed old box steps and leftover construction materials from previous works.

We made sure that environmental and cultural protection was at the forefront of all works, with strict kauri dieback hygiene management to prevent soil movement and protect nearby kauri, and boardwalk placement designed to protect cultural heritage, ensuring sensitive archaeological areas remained intact and undisturbed.

Why this work was needed

Storm damage had compounded with natural wear, leading to uneven surfaces and compromised structures.

Reconstruction was essential to maintain visitor safety and ensure the track remains resilient and enjoyable.

This project also played an important role in protecting cultural heritage values, including pā site features, by elevating foot traffic away from sensitive areas and reducing ground impact.  

Drummond Track restored and improved

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Location

Drummond Track, Parihaka 0112  View Map

-35.71304751885907, 174.33298315582562

Drummond Track , Parihaka 0112

Drummond Track , Parihaka 0112

Drummond Track reconstruction