Councils to package up trails

‘‘By combining our efforts we can create unique opportunities not available elsewhere in the country.’’

A multi-council move to plan, develop and manage the Wellington region’s off-road tracks and trails has been unveiled.

More than 12 months in the planning, the Wellington Regional Trails Framework, is supported by local authorities in the region, the Department of Conservation and the Wellington Regional Economic Agency.

A fully co-ordinated approach with the region’s 2600 kilometres of tracks would enhance recreation opportunities for locals and attract tourists, Wellington’s civic leaders say.

‘‘By combining our efforts we can create unique opportunities not available elsewhere in the country,’’ said Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy, chair of the Regional Mayoral Forum which endorsed the Trails Framework in August.

After setting up a steering group in 2016 the trails project has gathered support from local and central authorities and a range of walking, tramping, cycling, horse riding and trail running organisations.

The region’s existing trail network includes national walking and cycling tracks (Te Araroa and Rimutaka), two mountain bike parks and 1800km of shared use tracks.

A point of difference in the region is the diverse opportunities in easy acess of urban areas. However, problems existed with tracks managed by multiple entities with limited support services, infrastructure and marketing, the Framework said.

The Wellington Regional Trails Framework establishes three classes of trails.

Signature trails such as the Rangituhi/Colonial Knob walk, Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park and the Rimutaka cycle track attract recognition for the region as a destination and are focal points for resident activity.

Regional Trails, including the Wainuiomata Trail project, eastern Hutt Hills and the Waikanae River Trail, form the core of the network for users looking for a less ‘‘populated’’ experience while local trails provide recreation options close to a user’s home.

Parties to the Wellington Regional Trails Framework are the Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wellington City Council, Hutt City, Upper Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, Kapiti Coast District Council, Masterton District Council, Carterton Dis- trict Council and South Wairarapa District Council as well as the Department of Conservation and the Wellington Regional Development Agency.