Stage 3 Build Started
Over 80 people turned out on Sunday 23 August to plant over 2,000 natives along the newest section of the cycleway between Cullen and McLean Roads.  In just over an hour the plants were dug into their new home and are looking great. A gentle drop of rain has helped to settle them in and the track is already being heavily used by walkers, runners and bikers.

Thanks to the plant donors and those who gave their time to help with the design concept and planting.  

This 1.6 km section starts at Cullen Road and finishes at McLean Road and runs on the inland side of Cove Rd. It  will connect to the most recently completed stage that runs from Cullen Road to Waipu Cove. 

It's hoped that the ground will be dry enough to continue earthworks along this stage in October through November and have the section finished for Christmas 2020.

It has taken some time to decide the route through this challenging road section. A generous easement offered by the Brown family has made this Cove Road link possible for a safer route on the inland side of the road. And many thanks to the landowners who have encouraged us and been patient while the trail build is happening.
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Whangarei District Council have supported this route choice as most of the trail runs in road reserve and meets safety criteria. While the community had indicated a preference for a trail along the Estuary edge, this can still be explored in the future. For now, we want to get a trail built to achieve our initial goal to get local kids to school safely.

Having seen the increased use of the built stages during Covid lock down, there is certainly a strong demand for this new community asset. 

​Stage 2 also now has a top coat of finer metal- so for all our users - come and enjoy a smoother ride from Cullen Road to the Cove.

Bike to the Future Awards 2017

In case you missed it, we were recognised in the national Bike to the Future Awards. We won a Highly Commended place for stage 1 in the Taking Communities on the Journey category, along with our partner Whangarei District Council.  Excellent work when you consider the strong field of contenders includes large central government departments.
 
The Taking Communities on the Journey category covers excellence in communications or community engagement activities related to a cycling project that resulted in a community welcoming new infrastructure either in the planning and/or implementation stages of the project.

Congratulations to everyone involved - what a great achievement!
Where should the rest of the trail go?
With Stage 3 underway we are already thinking about linking the two ends of the trail.  There are still at least 2 options available. We will be seeking advice from Council and  want to make sure property owners along any proposed route are involved in discussion with us. 
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The big picture is to have a full 9 km trail from Waipu Village to Waipu Cove providing safe and accessible biking and walking for a wide range of users including  students to school, locals to work and enjoying healthy lifestyles, and visitors to our coastal community.

Community consultation- what you told us in 2016

  1. Over 90%  support the building of further stages of the trail from Riverview Place to Waipu Cove.  
  2. Feedback on stage 2 from Estuary View Heights to Waipu Cove favoured the eastern or seaward-side of Cove Rd.
  3. Your responses show a greater diversity of opinion on the route for the middle section between Estuary View Heights and Riverview Place.
  4. There was a strong desire to have at least part of the trail beside the river or estuary.​​

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