Local Democracy Reporter David Hill checks out the Kaikōura end of the Whale Trail. Photo: Colette Doughty
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Cyclists can now have a whale of a time in Kaikōura.
Work is under way to develop the Kaikōura to Hāpuku section of the Whale Trail, a shared use pathway from Picton to Kaikōura.
The Kaikōura District Council plans to contribute to the $32 million project and is working with the Kaikōura Cycling Club and the Marlborough Kaikōura Trail Trust to upgrade and connect existing cycle tracks between the tourist town and Hāpuku to the north.
Destination Kaikōura chairperson Lynette Buurman, who is also a Marlborough Kaikōura Trail Trust trustee, said work has been completed upgrading 3.3km of cycle trails from the town to Middle Creek.
The council is committing $200,000 funding over the next four years in the 2024/34 Long Term Plan, which will help to complete the 13km section to Hāpuku.
''It is exciting to get to this point,'' Buurman said.
''It has taken a long time, but it will be a great addition to our existing cycle trials and it will add value to our visitor offerings.
''There is not a lot of affordable activities for families in Kaikōura. Hanmer Springs has so much more, so this gives them something ''
The Whale Trail offered another land-based attraction, complementing the EcoZip, a flying fox-type ride through a scenic environment, which opened late last year.
''It will help our seasonal downturn and it will grow the average length of stay,'' Buurman said.
The Kaikōura District Council has been working with the Kaikōura Cycling Club and the Marlborough Kaikōura Trail Trust to develop the southern end of the Whale Trail by upgrading and connecting existing cycle tracks. Photo: Colette Doughty
She said there had been a lot of work behind the scenes negotiating with multiple landowners, planning and designing bridges.
The ultimate goal is to have the Kaikōura to Hāpuku section completely off-road and following the coastline.
The trust was also looking at opportunities for planting along the trail to enhance the natural environment and exploring ways to tell the story of the landscape.
The council is also committing up to $80,000 a year over the next 10 years for maintaining the trail.
To date, 74km of the 201km Whale Trail has been completed, with various stages under construction.
Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said there was strong support for the Whale Trail in the council's Long Term Plan, with 97 percent of submitters expressing support for providing funding to the project.
''We had some really positive submissions around the Whale Trail as people see the economic benefit, the health and wellbeing benefits, and it is about promoting alternative modes of transport.''
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.