Planting day for the Waipu cycleway a success

About 80 people turned out last year to help plant over 2,000 natives on the newest section – Stage 3 of the Waipu Cycleway, a community-led project part funded by Whangarei District Council.

The Waipu Cycling and Walkway Trust established the cycleway to connect Waipu and Waipu Cove. Stage 3 is in the middle of the 9km trail between McLean and Cullen roads which is also used by Te Araroa walkers. People of all ages and abilities were present. It took just over an hour to complete the planting.

This section of the Waipu Cycleway was made possible through the generous gifting of an easement over farm land where the main road has a difficult and dangerous road section for cyclists. The outcome is an unexpected bonus - with great views of the estuary, Bream Bay and the offshore islands.

Birds, including the rare Fairy Tern can be seen, and trail users are already happy. Families that turned out talked about the wonderful legacy they were creating for their kids and future generations.