Exciting Updates on the Twin Coast Cycleway Project
We are thrilled to share some significant progress and updates on the Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail project, developing a new cycle trail alongside the train in the rail corridor between Taumārere and Ōpua. Our aim is to enhance our community’s connectivity and visitor recreational opportunities.
We are pleased to announce that the resource consent for the new cycle trail has been lodged with Far North District Council (FNDC) and Northland Regional Council by the end of the month. The approval processing time is anticipated to take 5-6 months.
Since 2021, the FNDC project team has been working on reaching an agreement on a route, finalise the concept designs for the permanent new route for the cycle trail, and then present to ngā hapū, collate the reports for the Resource Consent, and secure a long-term lease. A temporary road route was created from Ōpua to Kawakawa through the Oromahoe and Whangae roads ensuring the twin coast aspect of the trail was maintained.
The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway has also managed a cycle-train connection on the recovered section of track (within the rail corridor) this link has proven popular for cycle visitors and the train-connection is now a key feature of Northland’s only Great Ride.
Cycle trail construction is proposed to be done in stages and as funding is raised. FNDC has committed some funds in the 2024-2027 LTP and work will get underway next year alongside Stage 3 of the rail project, but other sources of funding will be required to complete the whole eastern section.
The vintage railway has now completed their Stage 2 track restoration works between Taumārere and south of the Whangae tunnel. Currently, they are operating their summer-schedule, offering six passenger train movements every day of the week, so cyclists and walkers can jump on the train-connection between Taumārere and the tunnel.
Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail and Keteriki – Bay of Island’s Vintage Railway recognise that working together enriches the visitor experience.
On the eastern section of the cycleway, visitors can choose to catch a train or cycle the beautiful rural road route. Check out the train timetable and bookings are required on their website: www.bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz or watch this easy HOW TO BOOK video (403) BOIVR How to book the cycle train connection YouTube Video v2 1 – YouTube
We are committed to keeping you informed and engaged as we progress with this exciting project. We will hold information pop-ups in Russell, Paihia, Ōpua, and Kawakawa in the late summer. Stay tuned for more updates.
The map below shows the eastern section of the cycle trail.
