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Waikato River Trails reach Taupō District

Tuesday 15 November 2011, 1:29PM

By Taupo District Council

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A Waka on Lake Maraetai welcomes guests at the opening of the Waikato River Trail at Whakamaru Reserve.
A Waka on Lake Maraetai welcomes guests at the opening of the Waikato River Trail at Whakamaru Reserve. Credit: Taupo District Council

TAUPO

The Waikato River Trails Trust recently completed 100kms of walking and cycling trails along the banks of the Waikato River through the South Waikato District and the Taupō District at the township of Mangakino.

The public were invited to celebrate this achievement with an open day and fun cycle/walk on Saturday 5 November at the newly completed section of the trail from Mangakino to Whakamaru Reserve. Approximately 300 members of the public attended the open day, some of whom participated in their choice of either an 8km or 14km bike ride, walk or run of the scenic trail.

The new section of the trail starts at Mangakino Lakefront Reserve, Lake Road, near the Bus-stop Café, and runs along Lake Maraetai’s edge past the Mangakino Golf Course and through to Whakamaru Reserve in the South Waikato District. The trail also crosses an impressive 70 metre suspension bridge that spans the Mangakino Stream.

Taupō District Council had committed to funding for the part of the trail that runs through the District, including materials and staff time for the initial building of the track, and will also continue to provide for ongoing maintenance costs.

Representative for Mangakino Councillor Kirsty Trueman says the trail is a welcome asset to the already beautiful area. “We take great pride in looking after the lakefront and reserves here and the trail is just another way that visitors and locals can enjoy the natural beauty of the Waikato River and surrounding forests.”

Cr Trueman says the inter-connecting trail will also help Mangakino become a destination for some enthusiastic cyclists. “Mangakino and Whakamaru welcome new visitors to our wonderful communities, to come and experience the beauty of the Waikato River Trails. As part of the national cycle ways, this development has helped put Mangakino on the map and we will benefit from the additional tourism and vibrancy that is created.”