New Zealand Walk: Tauranga to Okere Falls on a shared trail
With the recent completion of a new link from Stevenson Road in Papamoa East to Kaituna River Bridge, there is now walking /cycling trail extending from Tauranga to Okere falls in Rotorua.
Although some parts are cycle paths along roads, and not so good for walkers, much of the trail is through reserves and beside waterways, and can be equally enjoyed by walkers. These parts are a perfect place for families because the track is wide, flat and safe.
Starting from the waterfront in Tauranga, a path leads across Matapihi Rail Bridge, and follows Matapihi Road for 6 kms to Maunganui Road. This is a lovely undulating rural road, with awesome views over the harbour, and maybe a train going past.
After a set of lights to the left of the roundabout, bikers go through Bayfair Car Park and onto Girven Road. The second road on the right is Grenada which has a bike path
In just over 3 kms you will reach Pacific View Road, and the entrance to Wairakei Reserve. is about 150
metres to the left.
This is a good place for walkers to join the trail. It is a very pretty section with lots of pohutukawas in flower, shrubs and native grasses. This trail continues for 4 kms intersected by Evans Road and Hartford Avenue, also good places to join.
From Evans Road, there is a track on both sides of the waterway, which widens to form lagoons - home to lots of birds. Kids can have fun spying eels from the many little bridges, and watching remote control model yachts, which are raced here quite often.
It is easy to do a loop walk or cycle of any distance that suits you within this reserve.
After 3 kms there is a fork. The left path goes to Papamoa Plaza. The right leads over a little bridge to Gravatt Road, across the road, and behind the shops to Domain Road. Here you will find a set of traffic lights especially for bikers.
Wairakei Reserve continues for another 3 kms, (intersected by two roads) to Parton Road. This whole reserve can be equally enjoyed by walkers and bikers, and is especially good for families.
From Parton Road, the bike path runs for 5 kms beside Te Okuroa Drive, and although not so interesting for walkers, it is fascinating to see the farmland being fast swallowed up by houses.
At Stevenson Road the new gravel trail leads to Kaituna River Bridge,
and a bike track heading south beside the Eastern Link expressway – not a good section for walkers. Continuing for 7 kms you reach an enormous roundabout. Cross the road behind the Maori carving, and follow the concrete path to Paengaroa. From Paengaroa, bikers planning to do the Kaikokopu Trail, head up Old Coach Road, turning right. into Roydon Downs Road and left into Ridge Road. (About 17 kms).
At the top of the road is a car park, where walkers can enjoy a lovely wander through native and pine forest for 4 kms, and along a farm road, with remnants of old farm buildings for as long as they wish.
The bike trail continues through Roydon Downs Reserve, and along
Liechenstein and Maniatutu Roads for 13 kms to reach SH 33, 900 metres from Okere Road. This short section of State Highway is narrow and windy so do take care.
Turning down Okere Road the trail crosses a foot bridge over the Kaituna River outlet, and Okere Falls cafe is across the road.
Walkers can enjoy the well signposted walk to the falls – not only beautiful, but with lots of interesting history.
This is a lovely trail to explore with something for everyone. Check it out this Summer.