The opening of Te Ara Tupua, the shared path linking Ngā Ūranga (Ngauranga) and Honiana Te Puni Reserve in Petone, effectively completes the bulk of the Great Harbour Way around Wellington Harbour.

“Who would have thought we would reach this day?” said Graeme Hall, chair of the Great Harbour Way trustees. “For over 20 years, we have held the vision of a shared walking and cycling path around the 70km perimeter of our beautiful harbour. This has become a reality.”

“The gap has been closed — Petone joined to Ngā Ūranga in a manner that is stylish, expansive and comprehensive.

“This is a day of celebration for everyone involved in Te Ara Tupua and everyone with an interest in Te Aranui o Pōneke/Great Harbour Way.

The opening of Te Ara Tupua follows last month’s opening of Tupua Horo Nuku, the 4.4km shared path around Wellington’s Eastern Bays. The public have adopted that in droves.

With the Ākau Tangi Evans Bay shared walking and cycling path now in its final stage, it is already possible to bike or walk all the way from the Miramar Cutting to Eastbourne without having to contend with traffic.

“This is a once-in-a-generation achievement. It is a world-class, scenic, urban walking and cycling route,” Hall said.

He called on regional leaders to follow the example of Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Taupō, which have successfully used walking and cycling trails to boost local economies.

“A huge amount has been invested in creating various sections of the Great Harbour Way. Our leaders now need to grasp the economic, tourism and recreation opportunities it presents.”

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.

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