First section of Paekākāriki connection track open

This week the Council finished and opened the first section of the Paekākāriki Connection Track, a walkway that aims to provide a safer passage through a bush setting, between Paekākāriki and the popular Te Araroa Escarpment walking track.

Parks and Recreation Manager Alison Law says the new walkway takes pedestrians away from heavy traffic volumes through this area.

“This section of footpath is used a lot by locals and visitors heading to the Escarpment Walking Track and at the moment, it’s very close to high volumes of traffic. The section we’ve just opened is the first of two stages for this track. This first section is a compacted gravel path that stretches around 220 metres south of Paekākāriki township. Once both stages are complete, the new bush walkway will provide a safer option that in most parts will be away from the main highway. People will be able to walk this track and come out just across the road from the entry to the Escarpment walk.”

"This track was initiated by the Paekākāriki Community Board and now we'll start consultation with key stakeholders to progress the second half of the track," says Ms Law

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