First it was Mt Eden, now cars are to be banned from the summits of five more of Auckland's most popular mountains.
On a good day the spectacular view from One Tree Hill can't be beaten. It's just a short drive to the top but vehicle access to the summit is set to become a thing of the past.
Tūpuna Maunga chairman Paul Majurey says public safety is the main concern.
"Some of the summit roads are quite narrow so there has been a contest between vehicles and the public use."
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority says the move will also help to preserve the mountain's cultural values.
Those with limited mobility will still be given vehicle access through automated gates.
"People are able to drive up, push the code. They'll get to a service centre, [and be] asked a few questions. When that is done the access code is given and they can drive up," Mr Majurey says.
Epsom MP David Seymour says that's not acceptable.
"It's disgraceful that as a disabled person you have to go up to a speaker and explain that you're disabled enough frankly."
One Tree Hill isn't the only mountain where restrictions will be introduced. Vehicle access will also be limited on Mt Wellington, Mt Albert, Mt Roskill, and Mt Victoria.
It follows a move last year to make Mt Eden Auckland's first pedestrian-only summit.
The authority says that decision went down well with the community but today many people told Newshub the latest round of restrictions is disappointing.
"I don't think they should do that, there's a lot of people who then wouldn't have access like little kids ... it should be open to cars as well not just pedestrians. It would be too hard for us to come here and bring our visitors."
David Seymour says the authority is "totally out of control".
"They haven't consulted the public and they don't seem to care a great deal about the access and rights of the disabled and elderly."
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority says the new restrictions are set to come into effect towards the second half of 2017.
Newshub.
