Whakatāne to Ōpōtiki. A project being developed by Council as part of Active Whakatāne is the proposal to extend the very popular Mōtū Trails. The Western Coastal Extension would extend the Great Ride from Ōpōtiki to Whakatāne and provide further opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy walking and cycling along our beautiful coastline. 

What has happened so far?

• Since opening in 2013, Mōtū Trails has been enjoyed by an ever-increasing number of residents and visitors to the Eastern Bay of Plenty who have been attracted to the cycle trail. The success of cycle trails around the country has grown a new market for regional tourism and along with it, opportunities for businesses such as bike and shuttle hire, cafés, and accommodation providers. 
• The proposal to extend Mōtū Trails from Ōpōtiki to Whakatāne has received funding support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). 
• The funding has been used to develop a 'Business Case' that explores route options for a 'Western Coastal Extension' and the associated benefits to the community including recreation, new business, raising culture and heritage awareness, and environmental enhancements. 
• The Business Case was submitted to MBIE in August - discussions with MBIE about funding a significant portion of the construction costs are now underway.  
• Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki District Councils, alongside the Mōtū Trails Charitable Trust, are leading the project and specialist consultants have been engaged. Further work is underway to secure land tenure and assess resource consents requirements. 

If you have an interest in the Western Coastal Extension project, please contact Mike Houghton (mike.houghton@whakatane.govt.nz).