The new Baton River cycle bridge on Tasman's Great Taste Trail in Motueka Valley has been completed and can now be used by cyclists.
The bridge is the first step in completing the route from Tapawera to Woodstock via the Baton Valley.
Thanks to the generous support of neighbouring landowners, this joint project between the Council and Nelson Tasman Cycle Trail Trust means crossing the Baton River is now much easier and safer for riders.
Although the new bridge is fully open for use, there are still finishing touches being completed by the Trust, including toilet facilities, a purpose-built rest area and wayfinding signage.
While most of this route is proposed as a grade three cycling route along quiet and scenic country roads, the Trust is also working on a number of improvement opportunities along the Tapawera-Baton Road.
Once all the improvements are complete, the trail will be audited by an independent Master Trail Builder before being officially added to Tasman’s Great Taste Trail.
This link to the Motueka River West Bank Road will complete the loop originally envisioned by the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust back in 2009. This was made possible by funding from Tasman District Council, a government National Cycleways initiative and additional generous support from several local businesses and organisations.