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Portland Track

Portland has developed around the mining and processing of limestone to make cement.

This historic process is still alive today with Golden Bay Cement using the Whangārei Harbour to ship cement around the country.

The Portland track gives a good vantage point from where this industrial heritage, both old and new can be viewed.

The time given is for walking the track one way only.

What to expect

Easy walk
Time: 20 minutes
Distance: 335 metres

The track is essentially surfaced, winding through mangrove swamp and out to a rocky point. There are great views over the harbour and a variety of bird life to be observed.

The concrete surface is smooth in places and can get slippery.

It is not possible to make a circular walk but there is the option of an additional nearby walk courtesy of Golden Bay Cement. Their route comes highly recommended and is marked off McGill Road, nearby.

There may be some known and potential hazards that users should be aware of and avoid.

Known hazards in caves and on Council reserves

How to get to Portland

From Whangārei, take State Highway One to the south through Otaika. At the junction with Portland Road, about 3.5 km from Otaika, turn left onto Portland Road.

Follow Portland Road towards the cement works, over the railway bridge (almost to the factory entrance) then turn left into Portland Wharf Road.

The track starts a further 240 metres on the left, where there is limited parking.

Location

Portland Wharf Road, Portland 0178 View Map

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Facility Snapshot

Features

Dog friendly - on leash
Walking Trails Paved

Investigating options for rating system

We are currently reviewing how rates are calculated to ensure they are still set in the fairest and most equitable way. If changes are proposed, we will seek community input through public consultation early next year. These changes will not impact the total amount of rates we collect, instead they will affect how we work out everyone’s share.

Find out more about the rates review

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Weed spraying

Our contractor, City Care, will be spraying broadleaf weeds in turf areas on all Council parks and reserves in October and November 2024.

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If you have a Christmas-themed event scheduled between 25 November and 24 December 2024, be sure to register. Registrations close on Sunday 27 October 2024.

Find out how to register

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Weed spraying

Our contractor, Green by Nature, will be spraying broadleaf weeds on selected Council sports fields from 25 September to 11 October 2024.

Announcement

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Longer than usual processing times

Due to a high volume of permit applications for council land leading into the summer season, the processing time is expected to be longer than usual. We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to handle each application with the attention it requires.

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Go paperless!

Receive your land rates, water rates and rating valuation notices by email.

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Changes to community funding

We are changing to a new community funding framework and a new funding platform called SmartyGrants.

Announcement

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Te Matau a Pohe bridge planned closure

There will be a full pedestrian and traffic closure of Te Matau a Pohe bridge overnight from 7:00pm on Friday 1 November until 7:00am on Saturday 2 November 2024 for maintenance on the crash rails and lighting. There will also be general maintenance on the bridge from 22 to 25 October and 29 October to 1 November, however the bridge will be open to traffic and pedestrians for this.

Te Matau a Pohe and Dave Culham Drive closure

Temporary Closure

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Huitau Pā walkway partial closure

Part of Huitau Pa walkway is closed due to significant erosion. You can still access the track from the parking area, however please do not walk along the cliff and make sure you stay well away from the edge as it is unsafe. Signage is in place.

Temporary Closure

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Kotuitui Whitinga bridge closure

Kotuitui Whitinga bridge will be closed for an annual wash of paint and paths on Monday 21 October 2024 from 7:00am to 7:00pm. It will closed to pedestrian traffic.

The Hātea Loop will still be available for pedestrians with a signposted detour route along Port Road, Okara Drive and Herekino Street.

Temporary Closure

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Temporary delay to project

Due to changes in our scheduled programming, the start of the Dave Culham Drive project has been postponed and will be integrated into future planned activities. We are committed to beginning this work as soon as possible and enhancing this important infrastructure for our community. We appreciate your understanding as we make the necessary changes to ensure the project's success.

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The Waipū Activity Zone playground is temporarily closed

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GIS maps and Whangārei ePlan outage

Due to planned maintenance, our GIS maps and Whangārei ePlan (District Plan) will be intermittently unavailable from 1:30pm to 5:30pm on Sunday 20 October 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

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Flush water from taps in the mornings

The Ministry of Health recommends flushing a mugful of water from drinking-water taps each morning to remove any metals that may have dissolved from the plumbing fittings.
Although the health risk is small, this simple precaution is one all households on public and private water supplies should take.
For more information please call a Health NZ Drinking Water Assessor on 09 430 4100.

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Portland Track

What to expect

How to get to Portland

Location

Facility Snapshot

Features

Related Information