The Regional Council is working with landowners, iwi and local interests to reinstate a popular section of ‘Hawke’s Bay Trail’ on Waimarama Road near Havelock North.

This section of Hawke’s Bay Trails known to the project team as the ‘mad mile’ ran from the Te Mata-Mangaterertere Road – River Road intersection over a fast, narrow, hilly section of road as far as Craggy Range winery. The 1,300m length section has been an issue for the Council due to safety concerns voiced by the government’s authorising agency New Zealand Cycle Trail Inc.

“The mad mile section of trail doesn’t fit with the rest of Hawke’s Bay Trails, which offers a safer experience for a range of cyclists and walkers, locals and visitors,” says Asset Management Group Manager Graeme Hansen.

The mad mile section was removed from the Hawke’s Bay Trails network in 2017 as it was seen to be too dangerous,” adds Mr Hansen.

The Regional Council is working to provide a safe, off-road route giving undisturbed views of the Tukituki valley. A replacement trail section has been negotiated with affected landowners, discussed with local iwi and in conversation with Hastings District Council.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved for sorting this out and in particular for sorting the funding. I think you’re doing a great job to reinstate this piece of the trail,” says Cr Alan Dick.

“This is about maintaining a high quality product and delivering a consistent, memorable trail experience for locals and tourists,” says Cr Paul Bailey.

The mad mile replacement section is anticipated to be in place by late 2018.

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