Cyclists can now enjoy a new adventure in Kaikōura, New Zealand.
The town is working on the Whale Trail, a pathway that will connect Picton to Kaikōura. The Kaikōura District Council is teaming up with the Kaikōura Cycling Club and the Marlborough Kaikōura Trail Trust to upgrade and connect existing cycle tracks between Kaikōura and Hāpuku.
Lynette Buurman, chairperson of Destination Kaikōura and trustee of the Marlborough Kaikōura Trail Trust, shared that they have upgraded 3.3km of trails from Kaikōura to Middle Creek. The council plans to spend $200,000 over the next four years to complete the 13km section to Hāpuku.
Buurman expressed excitement about the project, noting that it will enhance the town’s cycle trails and offer affordable activities for families. The Whale Trail will add to the attractions in Kaikōura, such as the EcoZip, a scenic flying fox ride that opened last year.
The goal is to make the Kaikōura to Hāpuku section an off-road trail following the coastline. The project also includes plans for planting along the trail to improve the environment and tell the story of the landscape.
To date, 74km of the 201km Whale Trail has been finished. The Kaikōura District Council is committed to maintaining the trail, with up to $80,000 a year allocated for this purpose over the next ten years. Chief executive Will Doughty mentioned that the Whale Trail has strong support, with 97% of submitters in favor of funding the project, recognizing its economic, health, and transport benefits.
