Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green Corridor?
The Green Corridor is a 2km pathway linking existing cycleways to the east (New Zealand Cycle Trail Te Ara Ahi from Sulphur Point) and west of Rotorua (the Ngongotaha route) through an inner city corridor. It is an inner city revitalisation project.
Where does the Green Corridor go?
The corridor runs from the Sulphur Point cycle trail, up Hinemoa Street, right onto Tutanekai St, left onto Haupapa Street and into Kuirau Park.
Who can use it?
Whether you're on two legs or two wheels, the Green Corridor is for you. The space is designed for pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, scooter riders, wheelchair users and skateboarders.
Why has it been developed?
A green corridor within a city is designed to provide natural relief from the confines of a concrete jungle and to offer a wide range of social, aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits.
It is internationally recognised that more people would cycle, scooter or walk to work if it were easier to do so - the Green Corridor provides a safe and easy way to commute and explore.
The development of Rotorua's Green Corridor is also a key part of the Rotorua 2030 Inner City Revitalisation Strategy, aimed at developing a vibrant city heart that attracts people and activity with outstanding places to play. Rotorua is New Zealand's only United Nations Global Compact City (www.citiesprogramme.com), part of a worldwide programme to progress social equity and justice, environmental sustainability and good governance in the urban environment. The Green Corridor helps support some of the guiding principles of the UN Global Compact agreement.
Who is behind the project?
The Green Corridor was developed by the Rotorua Lakes Council in conjunction with the Inner City Focus Group and Rotorua Cycle Action, following significant research into models both domestically (New Plymouth, Nelson and Napier) and internationally, as well as public consultation. It is jointly funded by the NZ Transport Agency and Rotorua Lakes Council.
What consultation was done with local residents and businesses in the development of the Green Corridor?
The Council conducted a number of public meetings, stakeholder workshops, feedback sessions, an online public survey and coverage in the Heart of the City News.
How do I use the Green Corridor?
It's easy, simply look for the green pathways throughout the city. You can walk, bike, scooter, cycle or jog the corridor to safely and easily get through the inner city. The green corridor is not just a thoroughfare but has been designed as a unique way for people to experience and explore their way through the inner city.
Why would I use it?
The Green Corridor provides an easy, safe way to get through the inner city, making it ideal if you are commuting to work or visiting the city on the weekend. You can leave the car at home and get in a daily dose of exercise by cycling or walking to town and along the corridor. The bus routes also align with the corridor giving you a safe option of walking from one stop to another.
Using the Green Corridor is a great way to check out the eateries and retail stores that make up our inner city. So if you're out for a spot of shopping, it's easy to jump off your bike and pick up a few items or to gather a group and walk into town for a weekend brunch.
What's wrong with using the footpath?
The Green Corridor runs alongside existing footpaths in the inner city. The decision to have a designated path for cyclists, joggers and walking groups provides a safe and easy way for these groups to access the inner city, while not disturbing pedestrians on the footpath.
How much did the Green Corridor cost?
The project budget was $397,000 with 57% ($226,290) funded by the New Zealand Transport Agency.
How long is the Green Corridor?
The pathway runs for two kilometres.
Is the Corridor only open for the summer months?
No, the Green Corridor is open all year round but is uncovered so be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella if it looks like rain.
How safe is the Corridor?
The Corridor's designated pathway and kerbing was designed to make it safe for users and to separate it from vehicle traffic. The Corridor itself is not patrolled and we encourage users to exercise the same caution they would when walking anywhere at night by keeping to the path and walking with others when possible.
Does it cost money to use the Green Corridor?
No, it is totally free.
I've cycled to town but want to stop off to do some shopping or have a coffee. What can I do with my bike?
The inner city part of the corridor has been designed exactly for this reason - to help cyclists, walkers, joggers and skaters be able to easily access shops in the city. Throughout the route there are bike stands, seating and toilets. Please refer to the map for more detail about where these are located.
I never see anyone cycling or jogging through the city so why even build a Green Corridor?
Given people have never had the opportunity for a dedicated jogging/cycling space in the city before, chances are they won't have considered cycling or jogging through the city. The introduction of the corridor is designed to change people's thinking around this, give them a healthy option of getting around the inner city, as well as an interesting way to explore other parts of town, such as Kuirau Park and Sulphur Point, that they might not otherwise have visited.
Why do I have to cross so many streets on the route - doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a safe, purpose-built corridor?
There are some instances (along Tutanekai Street and also where it meets Haupapa Street) where the corridor switches from one side of the road to the other. Given the existing infrastructure of these areas, we were unfortunately unable to keep the corridor all to one side of the road.
A lot of carparks were removed to accommodate the Green Corridor. If no one ends up using it, will you put the carparks back?
With any new concept, we expect it to take some time for people to get used to using the corridor. The corridor was designed to benefit locals and tourists by giving them an easy, safe way to access and experience the inner city and link to existing cycleways on the east (Te Ara Ahi) and west (Ngongotaha cycleway) of the city. Hinemoa Street in particular did have a lane of parking removed to accommodate the Green Corridor but also to enhance vehicle manoeuvrability and reduce congestion.
For those not wishing to use the corridor, there is sufficient existing free and metered parking in and around the city.
I've never been drawn to the City Focus or the inner city. Why would I spend time there now?
As part of the Inner City Revitalisation, the City Focus is undergoing its own transformation. The Rotorua Lakes Council is currently consulting with the public on a number of options for this space, to better create a more engaging, exciting community area. Once this is complete we look forward to having it become part of the Green Corridor experience.
What determines success' for the Green Corridor?
The more people using the Green Corridor the better. Users will not only help make the inner city a more vibrant place, they will benefit from getting out and about, exploring the city by cycle or foot, which all helps with a healthy and active lifestyle. We also want to encourage support for local businesses that are based in and around the inner city.
I love the Green Corridor and would like to share my journey on social media. How can I do this?
We'd love to see photos of people out and about on the Green Corridor. You can share these with the Rotorua Lakes Council Facebook page and use the hashtag #GreenCorridor
