New stair access to Otama Beach on the demain has been built by the local community and ORG in collaboration with DOC. The purpose of the new stairs is to improve access to the beach and to redirect foot traffic away from the roots of one of the large pohutakawa trees on the bank which was on the previous access path. We are hoping that our efforts will prolong the life of this very old tree.
One of the many reasons that Otama is so beautiful is that pohutakawa trees grow along the cliff area, fringing the beach and providing shade from the sun. They are particularly beautiful in full bloom at the beginning of Summer.
Bank erosion has seen the steady decline of the pohutakawa trees along the bank on the Otama Domain and the ORG has erected signs to try to direct foot traffic off the roots of the trees which have historically been the access route to the beach and onto designated beach accesses, in the hope of preserving this unique beach environment for everyone.
Thanks to everyone who helped out with this project.