The opening today of Tupua Horo Nuku, the 4.4km shared path around Wellington’s Eastern Bays, marks another major milestone for completing the Great Harbour Way, Te Aranui o Pōneke.

This milestone will in coming months be followed by two further significant developments: the opening of Te Ara Tupua, the path linking Ngā Ūranga (Ngauranga) and Honiana Te Puni Reserve in Petone, and the completion of the Ākau Tangi Evans Bay cycle-walking shared path.

“The completion of the Great Harbour Way is a once-in-a-generation achievement,” said Great Harbour Way Trust Chair Graeme Hall. “This urban trail will be a major recreational, tourism, commuter and environmental asset for the Wellington region.”

The vision for the Great Harbour Way — a continuous walking and cycling route around Wellington Harbour’s 70km shoreline — was first conceived in the early 2000s.

“To see this vision realised in just over 20 years is a monumental achievement,” Hall said.

He called on Wellington’s leaders to build on the investment already made by actively promoting the pathway.

“This is one of the world’s outstanding urban walking and cycling routes. Other regions, such as Otago, Taupō and Hawke’s Bay, have recognised the value of such infrastructure, while Wellington has yet to fully grasp this opportunity.”

The Great Harbour Way / Te Aranui o Pōneke is a 70km walking and cycling route around Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington Harbour), stretching from Ōrua-pouanui / Baring Head in the east to Te Rimurapa / Sinclair Head in the west.

© Scoop Media