The new Paparoa Great Walk, on the South Island's West Coast, will attract up to 7000 visitors in its first year, the Department of Conservation says.
Part of the track. Photo: Kennedy Warne
The track is expected to open next year, and will pass the Pike River mine site, where 29 men lost their lives in 2010.
Speaking at a business breakfast in Greymouth this morning, Andy Thompson, of DOC, said the $10 million project was now half finished, and was on track to open in 2019.
"Despite adverse weather earlier this year, the $10m project is on track for a 2019 finish and is currently 50 percent complete," he said.
Mr Thompson said he expected the walk to attract between 5000 and 7000 visitors in its first year.
"The track is expected to provide a multitude of economic and social opportunities to the West Coast community."
Bernie Monk, the father of one of the men who died in the Pike River disaster, also spoke this morning at the breakfast on the importance of the project to the Pike River families.