Preparations are really cranking up for the opening of the first stage in the new Ruapehu – Whanganui trails cycleway.
The Hapuawhenua viaduct, with the old viadict in the background. Photo: Natures Pic/Rob Suisted.
DOC staff from around the sheer awesomeness that is Mount Ruapehu, plus a few colleagues from far and wide (cheers Connie and Erana 🙂 ) are furiously planning for what we hope will be one of the peaks of the local calendar. We’ve even managed to encourage Prime Minister John Key to come along, as well as the Minister for Conservation, Kate Wilkinson, so we are looking to have a great day.
DOC staff installing one of the many interpretation pieces to be found on the track.
The cycleway is part of Nga Haerenga, the National cycleway project, and is the first of the quick-start projects to open, so we are bigging it up to the local DOC trackies, and their teams who have made it happen. When the first cyclist rubber hits the track, (and by that I mean their tyres not their trousers!) they will love the experience that awaits them. The Ohakune Old Coach Road section of the track will open on July 2, and offers a great family ride back through one of the most significant sites in the history of the New Zealand railway. That’s not to say it’s only for the train-spotters either, everyone can enjoy the scenery, stories and sounds of Southern Ruapehu.
One of the tunnels on the trail which can be explored by visitors.
It’s going to be a huge community day, so come and celebrate with us. Bring your bike and your lycra and get on it!
