The vast majority of the Waitakere Ranges are now officially - and legally - closed.

The closure of all but 23 walking tracks has come into effect after a decision last month to do so.

Councillor and Environment Committee chair Penny Hulse says the Council's able to prosecute people, but would rather encourage them to do the right thing.

She says Kauri ambassadors were in the Waitakeres over the summer explaining why Kauri dieback is a threat.

"90 per cent of this will be about talking with people in a reasonable way, and I am sure that Aucklanders and visitors will respond, but there is that stick as well."

The council will also have video cameras monitoring closed tracks, and to check whether people are cleaning their shoes at the hygiene stations on open tracks.

For the full list of track closure visit Auckland Council's website.