Trust puts wheels in motion for trails

Three new biking trails have been proposed for the Tararua Ranges in a move to open up the area and attract more visitors.

The proposal was initiated by the Department of Conservation two years ago, and has been driven in large part by the Wairarapa Regional Mountain Bike Track Trust.

The charitable trust was formed to develop and manage mountain bike trails in Wairarapa. Its deputy chairman, Stephen Brown, said the group was excited about the project.

‘‘These are big projects,’’ he said. ‘‘We’re coming to the end of our feasibility stage, so once that’s ready we’ll go for funding.’’

He said the sites were designed for low-use and no-use areas, so would not interfere with hunters or trampers.

‘‘Our proposals are very much in consultation with DOC and local iwi, and once we have undertaken the study we will be able to take the project to the next stage,’’ he said.

‘‘We need a broad view of the current provision and what people are looking for in the future.

‘‘Our aim is to co-ordinate with other groups involved in developing cycling infrastructure for a connected cycle trail network that includes road, mountain bike and recreational trails in our region,’’ Brown said.

A survey is being carried out by the trust to help assess feasibility.

The trust is hoping to begin work on the first track within the next 12-18 months. ●➤ The trust’s survey is at http:/ /aprconsultants.co.nz/ wairarapasurvey2018.