Cyclists at Western Lake Road, Featherston. Photo: LDR
The South Wairarapa town of Featherston is now officially on New Zealand's cycling map.
The section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, leading straight into the Wairarapa gateway town at the bottom of Remutaka Hill, has been designated part of the Great Rides network.
The decision affects 10km of the route into Featherston from Cross Creek.
The full trail is one of the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand cycle trails great rides and connects Wellington with Wairarapa. It goes through the Hutt River valley, old railway tunnels and farmland.
Remutaka Cycle Trail steering group chair James Lamb said the extension would give cyclists more options to explore the region
"The extension may only be 10km long but it is a great addition to the great rides trail and suitable for all ages and levels," he said.
The 115km long trail did not include Featherston until now.
The Tauwharenikau cycling bridge outside Featherston. Photo: LDR
South Wairarapa District Council mayor Martin Connelly said the move was a win for cyclists, for the town and for the region.
"This section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail provides people with a safe and accessible route to Featherston, the gateway to the Wairarapa, and will bring people into the town to experience its hospitality, history and retail opportunities," he said.
"We are thrilled to see this included in the great rides network - more people will get to experience the charms of the town which is well-known for its quirky collectable shops, and great gourmet cafes."
The route connects to the Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Network, which aims to develop almost 200km of recreational trails for walking and cycling, linking Martinborough, Featherston, Greytown, Carterton and Masterton.
There are a number of entry points to the Remutaka Cycle Trail for cyclists to plan their routes, with the section from Petone to Featherston being about 70km long.
The designation means the route will qualify for additional funding for maintenance and promotion.
More information here.
Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
