Paddock Road / Track Build Lifestyle Block In Waipu

A rural property owner in Waipu, Whangārei District, needed safer, more reliable access across a steep hillside paddock. For much of the year, the area was too slippery and unstable to use, especially during winter or after heavy rain. The goal was to build a weather-resistant access road with a manageable gradient that could be used year-round.

Project Summary

This job involved building an all-weather access track across a steep paddock in Waipu. The property’s original layout meant that a large portion of the land could only be reached during dry months. In wet conditions, the hill became dangerously muddy, slick, and largely unusable.

We used our 8-tonne excavator to carefully cut into the hillside, forming the base for a new road. The gradient was designed to remain steady and manageable, even in poor weather. Once the track was shaped, we compacted the surface thoroughly to ensure long-term stability.

To protect the road from future erosion, we also cut a sloped trench along the uphill side. This trench diverts water away from the track, preventing washouts and maintaining the road’s integrity through heavy rainfall. The biggest challenge was working on the steep slope without causing further instability, which we addressed by pacing the excavation carefully and compacting in stages.

Outcome + Client Benefit

The new access road is now safe, stable, and usable all year round. The client can access their lower paddock even in wet conditions without slipping or damaging the land. It’s a major improvement in both convenience and safety, particularly during winter, when the property was previously cut off.

Project Location

This property sits just off South Road in Waipu, an area known for its rolling paddocks and clay-heavy soils. Locals will recognise the challenge of managing steep terrain in wet weather. By cutting a proper track with drainage, we’ve created a durable solution tailored to this landscape.