Waipu Coastal Trail Project
Author: Glenn Clark
The Waipu Coastal Trail is a popular walk along a spectacular and unique section of the coastline.
Work has started on making significant improvements to the Waipu Coastal Track that runs between Waipu Cove and Ding Bay.
This project will address the safety issues that arise after rain where many sections of the track become boggy and slippery, and which has recently led to the closure of the track this winter.
The project involves:
Installing culverts in the several boggy sections at the western (Waipu Cove) end of the trail
Constructing steps in steep and slippery sections
Continuing with the widening and levelling of the track on public land
Laying metal on the track surface
The intention is to eventually make the track an all-weather trail, that can be safely enjoyed all year, however the track will still retain much of its “character” as a “trail” - involving ducking branches and scrambling over rocks here and there
The map below shows the 39 points along the trail where steps and culverts are being installed.
The construction of culverts and steps will be performed by Northland Park Care Limited to professional standards.
The Trust’s volunteers are involved in securing materials, pre-cutting timber and bagging metal, and delivering these to site, and the subsequent levelling and metalling of the track surface between the steps. MENZSHED Waipu have helped with some of the precutting.
We had hoped the main phase of construction of steps and culverts would have been completed before Labour Weekend 2022, but delays may now require the track to remain closed until mid-November. However, we’re confident these initial improvements will benefit everyone over the summer holiday season.
The initial phase of the project addresses the most popular section of the track, running between the entrance point opposite Waterman Drive west to Waipu Cove. Track surface improvements will continue over the next year, with subsequent plans to continue with similar improvements for the section of the track that runs east to Ding Bay.
Plans are also being formulated to create an inter-connected network of tracks that links with the Waterman Drive Bush Reserve and the Te Araroa trail.
Wairahi Tracks Trust is facilitating the project, in conjunction with the Whangarei District Council’s Parks & Recreation Department.
Materials are being generously provided by local businesses:
Northpine Timber,
Waipu ITM
Mountfield Quarries.
Please acknowledge their support next time you visit their premises.
Initial funding has been secured from the Piroa Conservation Collective and from the Whangarei District Council, but further funding will be required to complete the project.
How can you Help?
Volunteer!
We need able-bodied volunteers now to help with the delivery of materials (timber and bagged gravel) to the various construction sites along the trail.
If you, or someone you know can help us - please call John Tapper (021 666 044) or Mary Sinclair (027 296 8151) to find out when and where you could help
Donate
While we have initial funding, this covers only the initial construction work along the western section of the track. Ongoing work is planned to complete similar track improvements along the eastern section, between Waterman Drive entrance and Ding Bay
You can either go to our Donations page on this website, or make a donation through our GiveaLittle page
