19 July 2005

New signature walkway named in Belmont Regional Park

Puke Ariki/Haywards Korokoro Traverse is the winning name of Belmont Regional Park's new 22km signature walk and cycle way announced this week.

Chris Laidlaw, Greater Wellington Landcare Committee Chairperson says, "Earlier this year we invited the community to suggest a name for the track that would reflect local history and heritage, relevant natural and physical features and/or Maori names associated with the area."

"Greater Wellington and local iwi agreed on Puke Ariki/Haywards Korokoro Traverse, a name which encompasses everything the track represents. Brought to the Hutt from Taranaki, Puke Ariki refers to the Korokoro area and the people associated with it, the people of Te Tatau O Te Po, the oldest marae in the region. Puke Ariki means 'place of leaders'. Haywards Korokoro Traverse reflects the physical nature of the track and includes important landmarks well-known to the people of the region."

The track runs from Dry Creek to Cornish St via Boulder Hill, Round Knob, Cannons Head, Belmont Trig and the Korokoro Valley (see map). It takes in all the key features of the park - panoramic views, peneplain fields, historic trails, WWII ammunition bunkers, and the early dams and remnant forest of the Korokoro Valley.

"The traverse is sure to become an iconic day walk for the region. It takes around 7-8 hours to walk, or 3 hours to cycle," says Cr Laidlaw. The entire length of the route lies on land managed by Greater Wellington, or on walkway easements that will not be affected by the sale of Waitangirua Farm.

ENDS

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