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The government’s Cycle Trail project will sign a $3.9 million contract for the new Bay of Islands to Hokianga Cycle Trail at a formal event in Moerewa at 1pm tomorrow.
Work on the construction of the trail began in June and has so far included the clearance of some substantial sections of trail between Okaihau to Kaikohe and from Otiria to Kawakawa.
The Ministry of Social Development provided funding through a Community Max employment scheme of $650,000 in June which has enabled 61 workers to be employed on the construction of the trail so far. A further $100,000 of funding from the NZCT Fund was also advanced in June to assist with costs associated with the scheme.
It’s a grade 1-2 trail meaning it should appeal to a wide range of visitors as it caters for all levels of riding ability including beginners and families.
The trail is steeped in historical significance of early New Zealand history dating from before the New Zealand land wars, and in parts follows ancient Maori trails from East to West. The route crosses rural farm country, and passes through a number of small towns as well as many sites of historical and cultural significance.
A unique feature of this trail will be a series of Pou, carved by iwi, which will be erected along the trail route to recall the history and stories of both iwi and Pakeha settlements in and around the area.
The trail is a joint initiative of the Far North District Council, Ministry for Social Development and The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.
Far North District Council Mayor Wayne Brown says the trail will tell the story of an emerging nation, capturing the heritage of our pioneers and our Maori and telling their stories along the way.
“I see so much potential for business growth in areas such as accommodation, food and beverage, cycle-related services, transportation and tourism activity including guided tours and events and cultural and historical experiences.”
The signing of the Funding Agreement between the NZCT Project and the Far North District Council for $3.9 million will bring the total NZCT project funding to $4 million and total central Government funding, including Ministry of Social Development funding to $4.65 million.
- Sites along the trail route will include the world famous Hundertwasser toilets, Lake Omapere as well as the opportunity for Marae visits.
- The largely flat trail route will include some gentle climbs with wide paths which will allow cyclists to ride side-by-side for most of the ride.
- The Far North boasts 2000 hours of sunshine each year.
- Tourism (including accommodation, cafes and restaurants) is already one of the major revenue earning industries in the Far North along with agriculture, horticulture and forestry.
2 Comments
Is this built on the uncompleted trackbed of the line from Kawakawa to Kaitaia?
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