The newest section of the Great Tasman Taste Trail is set to open in time for the Christmas break and, according to Higgins representative Kim Ace, it is already being touted as perhaps the ‘smoothest unsealed cycle trail in the country.’
Construction began in September this year after government funding was approved in February following two years of planning and fund-raising by the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust, and Kim says it will be open to the public on December 22.
The majority of the new section of trail follows the historic railway alignment between Nelson and Glenhope which operated for 79 years between 1876 and 1955.
Construction of the cycle trail has preserved the historic culverts and bridge abutments.
The track finishes up at the Flat Rock Cafe in Kohatu, which is a key entry point to the Great Taste Trail for visitors coming from the South.
Higgins project manager Steve Lovell says the company got creative by changing from the traditional truck and digger method of aggregate placement to using a paver laying machine throughout the new piece of trail.
Laying the gravel surface in this way makes for a very smooth gravel cycle trail.
“By utilising the machine paving we have reduced any wastage of the customer’s aggregate and at the same time reduced emissions through less transport cartage. The cycle ride is smoother and safer, and lacks the usual texture and rutting commonly found on loose-laid cycle trails.”
Josh Aldridge, Nelson Tasman Cycle Trail Trust trail manager, says the priority of the organisation remains connecting the ‘missing link’ between Wakefield and Wai-iti Domain.
“We recently obtained the final land access agreements needed to begin building this section and are preparing for construction this summer. Our focus will then turn to the section from Kohatu to Tapawera – another step in the direction of completing the Great Taste Trail loop and will bring immediate community and economic benefits to residents of Tapawera.”