The Waipu Cycling and Walkway Group was established to create a safe pedestrian and cycling track from Waipu to Waipu Cove.
With Whangarei District Council (WDC) consultation, the group have completed the first 2.5 kilometres of the track from Waipu to Riverview Place(Stage 1). This had a cost estimate of approximately $350K exc GST and includes a 34m pedestrian bridge to allow for safe crossing alongside the current one lane road bridge.
Whilst the Whangarei District Council supports the trail, they have not been in a position to fully fund it. The community has backed this project with donations including nearly 1.5k of private land adjacent to the road. There have been additional donations of materials, machinery and contracting by local businesses and contractors.
The group is especially grateful for the support and collaboration from local land owners Northland Steel Products and D & M Mitchell whom have worked with the WDC creating easements and boundary adjustments to enable the trail and the siting of the new pedestrian bridge.
Stage 2 planning of the walkway is now complete and will run on the seaward side of Cove Rd. This 2 km section starts opposite Estuary View Heights and finishes at Waipu Cove. This will provide safe separated walking and cycling at the eastern most end of the trail. Consultation with land owners is currently taking place.
There are 6 caches placed along this walkway, which I have varied as much as I can. There is also a bonus cache as well. In or on each cache along the walk there will be corresponding numbers/letters that you will need to get for the bonus cache – don’t forget to collect these.
This cache marks the end of stage 1 of the cycle and walkway and the start of stage 2. Cache is a eclipse mag, well hidden.
**Please stay on the inside of the barrier for your safety**