Rimutaka Summit - Top spot tidy up

The very popular viewing point at the Rimutaka Road Summit will soon look a whole lot smarter with the creation of a new lookout point, loop track and interpretation panel, and landscaping.

Greater Wellington Regional Council will begin removing pine trees in February in preparation for the reopening of a short loop track and connection to a new viewing area at the top of the summit.

New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) will fix the surfacing and repair fencing around the summit car park.

“This is a popular place for people to stop and take in the view. The site is by a number of Iwi, local authority and DoC boundaries making it the perfect spot to tell several stories about the area. We will install interpretation panels at a later date as many people, particularly visitors, enjoy learning about the places they travel in,” says Regional Council Manager Parks, Amanda Cox.

At one time a café and toilet facilities were located at the summit but there are no plans to replace these.

“We want to encourage people into Featherston town centre. There are some great cafes and eateries already there and public toilets as well. Toilet facilities are also just a 10 minute drive on the other side of the hill at Kaitoke Regional Park, so the area is already very well serviced,” Mrs Cox says.

Work at expected to be completed by June 2014, although the interpretation component may be later in the year. Council advises people to stay out of the construction area while work is underway.

ENDS

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