Council Upbeat over Hauraki Rail Trail Cycleway

The Prime Minister’s recent announcement that the Hauraki Plains Trail is one of the 7 quick starts for the National Cycleway project is excellent news and some of the more positive for the Hauraki District in recent times.

The Hauraki District has been blessed with some of the most stunning scenery and historic heritage features in the New Zealand and these have progressively been opened up for the public and tourists alike by the work of the Council and the Department of Conservation.

“It is my opinion that the Karangahake Gorge area, which was voted one of the 7 wonders in the Waikato Region in 2008, is a “national treasure” and the opening up of access by the Hauraki Plains Trail will result in a significant boost to local and national tourism” stated Deputy Mayor Mary Carmine.

The Council, the Hauraki Rail Trust and the Waihi Walkways groups’ dream for a nationally significant walking and cycling route through the Hauraki District will now come to fruition in the immediate future and will be a shot in the arm for the tourism sector. It is anticipated that a number of local businesses will be actively involved with the planning, development and sevicing of the trail.

The timing of the announcement could not have come at a better time with the Major Regional Initiative, the $20 million dollar Waihi Gold Discover Centre Project entering the resource consents phase with initial site works and construction planned to start this coming construction session.