Fog in Gisborne preventing a helicopter flight to Tauranga means that tree removal works scheduled to take place on Mauao this week have been postponed.

This means that the Mauao closure scheduled from 5am today Wednesday June 21 to 5pm Friday June 23 and the closure of the Pilot Bay boat ramp and car park are no longer taking place.

The Pilot Bay boat ramp and car park closure were previously scheduled to happen from 7am Tuesday June 20 until 5pm Monday June 26.

Eight large exotic trees on the Pilot Bay/Waikorire side of the maunga - mountain - were scheduled to be removed by helicopter, however due to fog the helicopter was unable to take off from Gisborne this morning, says a Tauranga City Council spokesperson.

"Given the time required to remove the trees and deteriorating weather conditions for the rest of the week, the decision has been made to postpone works."

Works will be rescheduled when optimal weather conditions are forecast.

The purpose of these planned works is to remove eight large exotic trees on the Pilot Bay/Waikorire side of the maunga (mountain) to ensure the archaeological preservation of the area.

Several trees fell during Cyclone Gabrielle and others are deteriorating, damaging the archaeological terraces near Te Ara Tūtanga - the base track.

Similar to works undertaken in 2022, trees will be removed using a helicopter to minimise damage to the land below.

More information can be found on the council's website at www.tauranga.govt.nz/Mauao