Waikato River Trails: Difference between revisions
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*[http://www.waikatorivertrails.com/ Waikato River Trails] |
*[http://www.waikatorivertrails.com/ Waikato River Trails] |
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*[http://cycletrailsnewzealand.co.nz/ Cycle Trails New Zealand] (New Zealand Trails website for local and international tourism) |
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[[Category:Hiking and tramping tracks in New Zealand]] |
[[Category:Hiking and tramping tracks in New Zealand]] |
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Revision as of 13:28, 25 June 2011
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The Waikato River Trails is one of the seven Quick Start Projects[1] that form the beginning of the New Zealand Cycle Trail. Located along the Waikato River, the trail is proposed to be 100 km long, out of which 50 km existed before the NZCT scheme was created.[2]
Location
The trails are located in the Waikato Region along the Waikato River. They pass through the districts of South Waikato, Otorohanga and Taupo.
At present, seven trails exist. They are: Arapuni Village to Arapuni Dam, Arapuni Dam to Jones Landing, Whakamaru Dam to Whakamaru Reserve, Ongaroto Bluffs Trail, Whakamaru Christian Camp to Snowsill, Dunham Creek Mobility Trail and the Atiamuri Trail [3]
The Whakamaru Christian Camp to Snowsill trail is approximately 3km long and takes around half an hour to walk.[4]
History
In September 2003, the South Waikato Economic Development Trust established a Waikato River Trail Management Group. The Waikato River Trails Trust was incorporated on 3 February 2006.
In 2004, a 3 km trail from Arapuni Dam to Jones Landing was opened, marking the start of the construction project.[5]
On 10 November 2009, Prime Minister John Key officially launched the construction of the first New Zealand Cycle Trail project at the Little Waipa Reserve adjacent to the Waikato River.[6][7] This site, on Horahora Road, has now gone down in history as the spot where turf was first turned on the first of seven of the Government’s Quick Start projects. The first contract was signed in April 2010, assigning $3.4 million from the cycle trail fund to construct the last 41 km of the 100 km distance.[8]
The opening is scheduled in time for the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro, near Cambridge, New Zealand from October 29 – November 7.[6][7]
Trail description
Originally, the trail was envisaged as a walking track only. When users started cycling the sections that had been opened, the scope was widened for the trail to be of dual use for pedestrians and cyclists. For cycling, the target market is family off road usage with a mountain biking grade of 2-3.[9] One section of the trail at Dunham Creek is suitable for wheelchair access.[10]
As of early 2010, 30 km of trails are already open for use, 23 km are built but yet to be opened, 6 km are under construction and a further 41 km are planned to be constructed during 2010.[1][8]
Attractions
At 425 km, the Waikato River is New Zealand's longest river. The Waikato River has spiritual meaning for various local Māori tribes including the large Tainui, who regard it as a source of their mana or pride.
There are several hydro lakes along this stretch of the Waikato River:
- Lake Atiamuri was formed behind the Atiamuri Power Station.
- Lake Whakamaru was formed behind the Whakamaru Power Station.
- Lake Maraetai is a relatively small lake of 4.4 km2 close to the town of Mangakino.
- Lake Waipapa is located where the Waipapa River flows into the Waikato River.
- Lake Arapuni is formed by the Arapuni Dam.
- Lake Karapiro was the last of the eight hydroelectric power stations built on the Waikato River, created in 1947.
The Arapuni Suspension Bridge, a popular tourist destination with a span of 152 m, is located just downstream from the Arapuni Power Station.
Corporate sponsorship
Mighty River Power Limited, the owner and operator of the hydroelectric generating stations on the Waikato River, is a major sponsor of the Waikato River Trails Trust.[11]
References
- ^ a b "Quick Start 3 - Waikato River Trails". Wellington: Ministry of Tourism. Retrieved 20 January 2010.
- ^ "Trail Talk, Volume 1, Number 1". NZCT newsletter. November 2010.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ http://www.waikatorivertrails.com/trails.htm
- ^ http://grrrsmind.blogspot.com/2011/01/waikato-river-trails-whakamaru.html
- ^ "Putaruru website". Putaruru: Putaruru Information Centre. Retrieved 20 January 2010.
- ^ a b "Waikato River Trails newsletter" (PDF). Tokoroa: Waikato River Trails. Issue 12, Spring 2009. p. 1. Retrieved 20 January 2010.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b NZPA (10 November 2009). "PM turns first sod on cycleway project". NZ Herald. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
- ^ a b "New Zealand Cycle Trail gives $3.4 million to Waikato River Trail". New Zealand Travel News. Fourcorners.co.nz. 5 May 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
- ^ "Waikato River Trails newsletter" (PDF). Tokoroa: Waikato River Trails. Issue 11, Winter 2009. p. 1. Retrieved 20 January 2010.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Dunham Creek Mobility Trail". Tokoroa: Waikato River Trails. Retrieved 20 January 2010.
- ^ "Mighty River Power sponsorship". Retrieved 20 January 2010.
{{cite web}}: Text "Mighty River Power" ignored (help)
External links
- Waikato River Trails
- Cycle Trails New Zealand (New Zealand Trails website for local and international tourism)