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The Hikuai District Trust is a charitable Trust which, in line with Ian Hopper’s vision of creating a scenic trail along the banks of the Tairua River, is the enabling body responsible for planning and constructing the “People’s Trail”. The Trail starts at the Waterways in Pauanui and heads West along the Southern bank of the Tairua River towards Hikuai, where the plan is for it to cross the river and head back east along the northern bank of the river to Tairua. The Trail is classified as a Grade 2 cycle way but it has been specifically designed to accommodate walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages. The Trail provides safe passage for users, away from the busy roads, together with magnificent views of the Tairua River and the Coromandel ranges beyond. Stages 1,2 have been completed and currently Stage 3 is underway providing a total useable distance of 6.4Km of well maintained trail. Stage 4 on the Northern bank is currently being planned. The vision of a trail connecting the townships of Tairua and Pauanui is certainly our goal. Please enjoy this wonderful community asset and remember to "share with care".
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Our trail is proving very popular with both locals and visitors alike as can be seen by the numbers recorded on our trail counter. As the trail has progressed more and more people are enjoying the spectacular scenery and enhancement to our local environment.
The Vision: A cycleway from Pauanui to Tairua.
A track all the way down the north western side of the Tairua River and Estuary, is planned for the future. It will link up with the public access way from the Tairua Primary School into Tairua.
Construction
This track will provide safe access between the two communities of Tairua and Pauanui for residents of all ages. It will also be a huge asset in encouraging visitors to the area and will provide a spectacular tourist attraction. The track will compliment the Hauraki Rail Trail project and give access to the Puketui Valley mining sites which are popular with tourists and other visitors.
Stages One and Two have now been completed.
The walk/cycle track has now been completed to Awa Whio Whio (Duck Creek)
You can start at the western end of the Pauanui Waterways where the sign posted entrance is adjacent to the “Ian Hopper Memorial Rock”.
Continue along the existing Coastal boardwalk and walkway, linking up with the new track at the northern end of Tangitarori Lane (about 1 km).
The correct Maori name for Tangitarori is in fact Tangiteroria.
Alternatively you can start the new track from the parking area at the end of Tangitarori Lane. The track continues on from there through the newly planted Thames Coromandel District Council, Memorial Forest, commemorating the Sinai – Palestine campaign of WWI. A short loop track starts just after the Forest. You can take the inland or riverside part of the loop and carry on, or you can simply enjoy the much shorter walk around the loop - about 1.2km back to Tangitarori Lane. The riverside part of the loop passes over boardwalks and through mangrove wetlands.
If you choose to carry on, you will soon come across a small BMX practice area set aside for children.
The track then follows the estuary along the south eastern side of the Tairua River up to Awa Whio Whio (Duck Creek). You will cross wetlands and a new bridge over the Tangiteroria Stream (Gumdigger Creek). The new track is just over 3km long and exits opposite the Lakes Resort entrance on Hikuai Settlement Road. The trail generally follows flat or slightly undulating country with a couple of short steep pinches. Additional work has been done to ensure a safe bench is achieved to meet grade 2 cycle trail standards.
The numerous seats scattered along the trail recognize private donations which, in total, have made a very significant contribution towards the funding of the track development. Seats, with plaques acknowledging the donors, are installed for donations of $1,000.00 or more. The donations can be paid now and the seats reserved for the next stage of the track. These donations will be recognized in the meantime by plaques erected at the end of the existing track.
Current Project Status
Stages 1 and 2 (4.2km) have been completed and have been in use since 2015. The trail extends from Pauanui Waterways to Duck Creek. Trail usage recorded by a counter at the Tangiteroria bridge is a testament to the success of this project to date. Refer to graph above for statistics from the counter.
Resource Consent for Stage 3 (6km) for was approved in 2018. This section of trail will extend the trail from Duck Creek to SH25A at Prescott’s Garages. 2.2km have now been constructed and are in use. In 2019 construction was stalled because access to Public Conservation Land has been denied by DoC. The Trust is working with all stakeholders to mitigate this “road block”
Detailed planning and design of 2 bridges have been completed for a 2km section of Stage 3 where the alignment approaches Prescott’s. Construction work on this section is imminent.
Preliminary planning for Stage 4 along the northern bank of the Tairua river is well underway. The initial focus has been on the 1km section from the Tairua School to the Redbridge Road. Next steps will focus on consultation with Stakeholders.
The Trust, coordinated by a small committee, continues to work with its large pool of volunteers and local contractors to continually maintain, improve and beautify the existing 6.4km of trail
The Trust is continuing to consult with HNZPT, WRC, TCDC, local Iwi, other stakeholders and the community in general to fulfil it’s vision of connecting the townships of Pauanui and Tairua with this biking and walking Trail.
A track all the way down the north western side of the Tairua River and Estuary, is planned for the future. It will link up with the public access way from the Tairua Primary School into Tairua.
Construction
- Total track length 25 km
- The trail will be a compacted gravel surface, approximately 2.5m wide
- Fencing will be erected and planting added to enhance the trail, where necessary.
- Bridges will be 1.5m wide
This track will provide safe access between the two communities of Tairua and Pauanui for residents of all ages. It will also be a huge asset in encouraging visitors to the area and will provide a spectacular tourist attraction. The track will compliment the Hauraki Rail Trail project and give access to the Puketui Valley mining sites which are popular with tourists and other visitors.
Stages One and Two have now been completed.
The walk/cycle track has now been completed to Awa Whio Whio (Duck Creek)
You can start at the western end of the Pauanui Waterways where the sign posted entrance is adjacent to the “Ian Hopper Memorial Rock”.
Continue along the existing Coastal boardwalk and walkway, linking up with the new track at the northern end of Tangitarori Lane (about 1 km).
The correct Maori name for Tangitarori is in fact Tangiteroria.
Alternatively you can start the new track from the parking area at the end of Tangitarori Lane. The track continues on from there through the newly planted Thames Coromandel District Council, Memorial Forest, commemorating the Sinai – Palestine campaign of WWI. A short loop track starts just after the Forest. You can take the inland or riverside part of the loop and carry on, or you can simply enjoy the much shorter walk around the loop - about 1.2km back to Tangitarori Lane. The riverside part of the loop passes over boardwalks and through mangrove wetlands.
If you choose to carry on, you will soon come across a small BMX practice area set aside for children.
The track then follows the estuary along the south eastern side of the Tairua River up to Awa Whio Whio (Duck Creek). You will cross wetlands and a new bridge over the Tangiteroria Stream (Gumdigger Creek). The new track is just over 3km long and exits opposite the Lakes Resort entrance on Hikuai Settlement Road. The trail generally follows flat or slightly undulating country with a couple of short steep pinches. Additional work has been done to ensure a safe bench is achieved to meet grade 2 cycle trail standards.
The numerous seats scattered along the trail recognize private donations which, in total, have made a very significant contribution towards the funding of the track development. Seats, with plaques acknowledging the donors, are installed for donations of $1,000.00 or more. The donations can be paid now and the seats reserved for the next stage of the track. These donations will be recognized in the meantime by plaques erected at the end of the existing track.
Current Project Status
Stages 1 and 2 (4.2km) have been completed and have been in use since 2015. The trail extends from Pauanui Waterways to Duck Creek. Trail usage recorded by a counter at the Tangiteroria bridge is a testament to the success of this project to date. Refer to graph above for statistics from the counter.
Resource Consent for Stage 3 (6km) for was approved in 2018. This section of trail will extend the trail from Duck Creek to SH25A at Prescott’s Garages. 2.2km have now been constructed and are in use. In 2019 construction was stalled because access to Public Conservation Land has been denied by DoC. The Trust is working with all stakeholders to mitigate this “road block”
Detailed planning and design of 2 bridges have been completed for a 2km section of Stage 3 where the alignment approaches Prescott’s. Construction work on this section is imminent.
Preliminary planning for Stage 4 along the northern bank of the Tairua river is well underway. The initial focus has been on the 1km section from the Tairua School to the Redbridge Road. Next steps will focus on consultation with Stakeholders.
The Trust, coordinated by a small committee, continues to work with its large pool of volunteers and local contractors to continually maintain, improve and beautify the existing 6.4km of trail
The Trust is continuing to consult with HNZPT, WRC, TCDC, local Iwi, other stakeholders and the community in general to fulfil it’s vision of connecting the townships of Pauanui and Tairua with this biking and walking Trail.
Download or View a brochure of the trail.
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Dogs
Dogs are a potential threat to birds and wildlife. Dogs are also at risk because poisoned rats and other predators might lie dead near the Trail. The Thames Coromandel District Council has recently put up more signs requiring dogs to be kept on leads. A disappointing percentage of dog owners fail to comply and we hope the extra signs will remind them of their obligations. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR DOGS ARE KEPT ON LEADS AND REMAIN ON THE TRAIL AT ALL TIMES |
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Project team - Current
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Gary and Anne Fowler
Gary and Anne formed the Hikuai District Trust ten years ago so they could fundraise for the local community. During that time with their successful Concerts in the Orchard on their property. they raised $150,000 distributed amongst many worthwhile community groups including Rescue Helicopter Service, Surf life Saving, Pauanui Playcentre to name a few. Now with a very loyal team they are undertaking the fundraising and construction of the cycleway. Gary and Anne own a farm on the road into Pauanui and could see that a safe trail was needed for the many cyclists and runners using the busy road. Bill Witt. Bill has been appointed as out treasurer taking over from Debbie. He is a retired accountant and his vast experience both as an accountant and working for a number of other charities in Pauanui allows for a seamless transition between the two. Bill and his wife Colleen are permanent residents of Pauanui and have lived here for a number of years Andy Bolton Andy isn't sure how he got involved with Trail construction in early 2015. He probably went out along the trail to see what was happening and was put to work. Andy was introduced to Pauanui in 1978 by his girlfriend and now wife Sue Christie. Sue's family had camped at the south end of Pauanui when it was still farmland and forest. Andy and Sue purchased their present home in 2001 and moved back to NZ from Perth in 2011. Andy trained as an engineer involved in construction and maintenance of offshore oil and gas facilities . Most of his career was spent working from marine construction vessels using divers and robotic intervention as they went deeper and deeper to install, repair or maintain these facilities. Who knows with Andy on board 'an under river tunnel' could soon be included in the future Trail plans. Gary Prince Gary has taken on the role of Chairman since early 2020. |
Fred Crawford
Fred and his wife Shirley nee Prescott, a well known family name in the area have lived here for many years. Fred has given tirelessly to many activities in Pauanui including the Volunteer Fire Brigade, Search and Rescue and Rescue Helicopter Service. Retired mechanic ex army --he has developed lots of walking tracks in the area. Fred is an intrinsic part of the team and has put in many hours of hard physical work along with his workmate John McKenzie, to get this project underway Fred 'just gets the job done without a fuss'. Every committee needs a Fred. Peter Millen I always enjoyed sea sports, sailing and fishing and followed on with my profession of boatbuilding. I had a boat repair and salvage business in Auckland for 35 years and retired 5 years ago to our bach here in Pauanui. I got involved with the trail straight away and never looked back. There are currently 106 rat/possum/stoat traps and bait stations along the trail which my wife Linda and I check weekly and we record kill numbers. We also record track usage through a counter. I have been involved with the firewood sales for the last few years with a couple of helpers. I look forward to seeing the trail progress after being stopped for the last 18 months. We will keep working towards our dream. John McKenzie Like Andy I drifted into the fold because of Gary's enthusiasm for the project. We moved here permanently a couple of years ago after dairy farming for 35 years in the Waikato. Taking on maintenance and enhancing the trail has meant a lot as I needed something to keep active and have a purpose. Like the rest of the team I'm looking forward to the next stage starting and like seeing the enjoyment that the trail has provided for so many Robert Van Kampen Terry Kingham A permanent resident in Tairua nowadays, after holidaying here for nearly 40 years, I am keen to see the trail completed. This will be a fantastic local asset for the communities on both sides of the Tairua river and will be truly one of the great coastal walkways. As a keen cyclist and runner, I look forward to sharing the trail with lots of locals and tourists enjoying our little piece of paradise. I am happy to help in any way I can to make this happen. |
Project Team - past members
Ian Hopper (died 13th January 2016)
'Vision achieved- life fulfilled'
The Team would like to acknowledge Ian Hopper's significant influence in bringing the dream of a trail to reality. Over the last few years as Ian's health was failing he still took an interest in the Trail and his input both as a mentor and a financial contributor will be remembered with gratitude.
Ian and Tony Hopper developed Pauanui from bare land in the late 1960's. Ian had the foresight to propose the cycleway ten years ago. He started by building the initial kilometre from the Waterways, much of this in boardwalks over the mangroves. His vision for this track was instrumental in getting the project underway.
Kim Coppersmith (Retired from the committee February 2017)
Kim was secretary of the Hikuai District Trust and a former elected member of the Tairua-Pauanui Community Board of the Thames Coromandel District Council. Together with her husband Bryan, Kim has supported the Trust since its inception. Kim's expertise at keeping us all on track at meetings and being able to efficiently keep all of the paperwork up to date and on tap was nothing short of miraculous.
Jeanette Waters (Retired from the committee February 2017)
Jeanette was the Fundraising Coordinator and creator of this website. Along with her husband Peter they bought their first section in Pauanui in 1974. Jeanette was a yacht broker in Half Moon Bay and then for 23 years sold real estate in the area. She decided that it was time to give back to a community that have given their family such great holidays and was motivated by the enthusiasm of firstly Ian Hopper and then Gary Fowler to get this Trail underway. Jeanette is thrilled every time some kind person gives money to the trail and makes her job a bit easier.
Barry Gunson (Retired from the committee June 2018)
I was delighted, recently, to be invited to join the team. Marian and I moved from Hamilton to Pauanui permanently in 2012 having spent our holidays in our home here since 2003. Working on publicity for the Trail is an enjoyable challenge. Barry took over as secretary after Marian retired in April 2018.
Deb Knox (Retired from the committee February 2017)
Deb is the Trust treasurer and an indispensable team member. She works full time as a travel consultant and lives permanently in Pauanui.
If she doesn't give me a bit of information soon I will have to make it up.
Marion Gunson (retired from the committee April 2018)
Marian's experience as a legal executive and practice manager provided valuable experience as she fulfilled secretarial duties for the team from March 2017.
'Vision achieved- life fulfilled'
The Team would like to acknowledge Ian Hopper's significant influence in bringing the dream of a trail to reality. Over the last few years as Ian's health was failing he still took an interest in the Trail and his input both as a mentor and a financial contributor will be remembered with gratitude.
Ian and Tony Hopper developed Pauanui from bare land in the late 1960's. Ian had the foresight to propose the cycleway ten years ago. He started by building the initial kilometre from the Waterways, much of this in boardwalks over the mangroves. His vision for this track was instrumental in getting the project underway.
Kim Coppersmith (Retired from the committee February 2017)
Kim was secretary of the Hikuai District Trust and a former elected member of the Tairua-Pauanui Community Board of the Thames Coromandel District Council. Together with her husband Bryan, Kim has supported the Trust since its inception. Kim's expertise at keeping us all on track at meetings and being able to efficiently keep all of the paperwork up to date and on tap was nothing short of miraculous.
Jeanette Waters (Retired from the committee February 2017)
Jeanette was the Fundraising Coordinator and creator of this website. Along with her husband Peter they bought their first section in Pauanui in 1974. Jeanette was a yacht broker in Half Moon Bay and then for 23 years sold real estate in the area. She decided that it was time to give back to a community that have given their family such great holidays and was motivated by the enthusiasm of firstly Ian Hopper and then Gary Fowler to get this Trail underway. Jeanette is thrilled every time some kind person gives money to the trail and makes her job a bit easier.
Barry Gunson (Retired from the committee June 2018)
I was delighted, recently, to be invited to join the team. Marian and I moved from Hamilton to Pauanui permanently in 2012 having spent our holidays in our home here since 2003. Working on publicity for the Trail is an enjoyable challenge. Barry took over as secretary after Marian retired in April 2018.
Deb Knox (Retired from the committee February 2017)
Deb is the Trust treasurer and an indispensable team member. She works full time as a travel consultant and lives permanently in Pauanui.
If she doesn't give me a bit of information soon I will have to make it up.
Marion Gunson (retired from the committee April 2018)
Marian's experience as a legal executive and practice manager provided valuable experience as she fulfilled secretarial duties for the team from March 2017.
Contact and contributions
Email Andy Bolton at pauanuitairuatrail@gmail.com or contribute online to our bank account held at Westpac Thames
03 0458 0277108 00, in the name of Hikuai District Trust, we are a registered charitable trust. All donations very gratefully received and used for materials on the trail we are constructing. Receipts for any donations can be issued for tax purposes if required.
03 0458 0277108 00, in the name of Hikuai District Trust, we are a registered charitable trust. All donations very gratefully received and used for materials on the trail we are constructing. Receipts for any donations can be issued for tax purposes if required.
