A strategy for the development of a network of cycle trails connecting Eastern Bay of Plenty communities has now been adopted by the Ōpōtiki, Kawerau and Whakatāne District Councils.

• Eastern Bay of Plenty Cycle Trail Strategy - (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Produced by a working group representing the three District Councils, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Department of Conservation, the Eastern Bay Cycle Trail Strategy foresees a series of cycle routes linking from Ōpōtiki’s Mōtū Trails in the east through to Rotorua’s Te Ara Trail in the west. Its long-term goals are to:

• Promote economic development opportunities for the region
• Foster recreational opportunities and connected communities
• Advance environmental and cultural values
• Improve safety for cyclists

Subject to the availability of funding in each case, new trails could be developed linking Ōpōtiki township to the Ōhiwa Harbour via Waiotahi Beach and then on to Ōhope via a proposed water taxi service to Port Ōhope. The trail would then continue with the harbourside trail proposed by the Whakatāne Rotary Club, linking to the existing Whakatāne-Ōhope cycleway either by Pohutukawa Avenue, or Burma Road west. The existing riverside cycleway in Whakatāne would also be incorporated, connecting to a proposed coastal dune route leading either to Thornton or Matatā. The trail would then turn inland to Kawerau and follow forestry tracks to the Lake Tarawera outlet and on around the lake edge, or to Lake Ōkataina.

Whakatāne District Council Community Services Manager Paula Chapman says that at this stage, the strategy is a ‘high-level concept plan’ which, over time, will allow the development of an integrated Eastern Bay cycle trail network.

“The intent is to have an agreed approach which will inform each council’s long-term strategies and provide a master plan which can be used to develop partnerships with Government organisations, funding agencies and other interested community groups,” Ms Chapman says. “It will also allow the working group to seek support and endorsement from New Zealand Cycle Trail, with a view to having an Eastern Bay trail included as a potential expansion to the national ‘Great Rides’ network.”

The next body of work will involve a feasibility study to determine the most appropriate route options, costs and funding opportunities. The working group will report progress to the Eastern Bay of Plenty Joint Committee, which will oversee the overall implementation of the strategy.