12 March 2012

Hawke’s Bay – off the beaten Trails?

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council continues construction works on the Hawke’s Bay Trails, in partnership with Nga Haerenga the New Zealand Cycle Trail; however there is more to the trails than the popular lime sand and concrete surfaces.

HBRC Engineer Neil Daykin is managing the design of Hawke’s Bay Trails which includes viewing areas, new bridges - even a display stand to promote the trails. Neil says that unpredictable weather slowed the pace of construction during the summer months, but the latest areas to be completed include some of the most interesting.

“We now have a bird viewing ‘hide’ beside the trail where the Taipo Stream meets Ahuriri Estuary,” says Neil. “This is a great place to see wetland birds like the godwit, white-faced heron, shag, dotterel, caspian tern and spoonbill.”

Bridges are also popular elements of any trail and the two wooden bridges at Haumoana and Park Island have been well-received by locals and visitors, adding interest and improving the options available to trail users.

“People using the Omaranui Road side of the new Water Ride loop between Puketapu and Taradale tell us that this section is one of our best, weaving past rock formations, between trees and offering some impressive vistas into local vineyards and orchards,” adds Neil.

Permanent direction and distance markers for the Puketapu section will be installed by the end of March. Construction also recently started on the Wineries Ride off-road surface.

“Off-roading this ride will make it safer and more enjoyable for locals as well as the growing numbers of tourists visiting the fifteen wineries dotted along this one trail.”

“Trails in other regions usually get less use in the cooler months, but our region delivers crisp, clear days year round, so autumn/ winter walking and cycling here in the Bay is just as appealing,” says Neil.

HBRC and Hawke’s Bay Tourism have also created a display promoting the trails. This is currently on show at Hawke’s Bay Airport before it travels to local libraries and other public venues. Any comments on the trail surface or infrastructure should be directed to HBRC, with promotional queries to Hawke’s Bay Tourism.

ENDS

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