13 September 2019
New forest loop cycle trail
Ever wondered how a cycle trail is built?
It takes a fair bit of bush whacking!
The Whakarewarewa Forest project aims to enrich the forest experience for all users. Part of this work is the construction of a new forest loop cycle trail.
This week a team of trail builders spent two days in the bush inspecting the alignment of three of the new trail sections that will make up the new cycle loop around the Whakarewarewa and Tokorangi Forests.
Four local companies are tendering to build these sections - Empire of Dirt, Rotorua Trails Trust, Southstar Trails, and Velsolutions NZ.
The photos below show part of the route traversing Tokorangi Face (which overlooks the city) and some of the spectacular views riders will be treated to once the track is constructed.
Contracts for the work are scheduled to be awarded in October, with work to commence by November. Sections of the trail will be ready to ride in early 2020, with the loop being officially opened in late 2020.
The loop is being created around iconic features that Rotorua mountain biking is renowned for - fun trails, Māori culture, Redwood trees, geothermal activity, and stunning views.
The day long ride will run clockwise around the forest, across the Tokorangi Face, through the new Tarawera Road Forest Hub, past Lake Tikitapu, through to the existing Te Ara Ahi path on SH5 to connect to the Waipa mountain bike car park. The plan is for this loop to replace Te Ara Ahi as the New Zealand Cycle Trail Great Ride' in Rotorua. Te Ara Ahi will remain as a Heartland Ride'.
This work is part of the Whakarewarewa Forest development. This is a collaborative project between Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, Te Komiti Nui O Ngāti Whakaue, Tūhourangi Tribal Authority, CNI Iwi Holdings, and Rotorua Lakes Council.
To learn more about this project head along to the public talk taking place in Rotorua Library at 10am tomorrow or keep up to date with progress at rotorualakescouncil.nz/forestdevelopment.
