Not just a cycle trail
Cutting the ribbon to open the latest section of Great Taste Trail is, from left, Bill Gilbertson (trustee), Belinda Crisp (trail manager), Gill Wratt (chair of Nelson Tasman Cycle Trail Trust), Stuart Bryant (Tasman Deputy Mayor), and Nick Smith (Nelson Mayor). Photo: Supplied.
Over 70 cycle enthusiasts and local residents gathered at Pokororo Swing Bridge in Motueka Valley to officially launch the completion of the latest section of the Great Taste Trail on Sunday.
Completed in April, the section comprises 4.5km of trail from Pokororo Swing Bridge to Peninsular Bridge at Ngātīmoti, with four bridges and elevated boardwalks.
The Great Taste Trail goes off-road from Nelson to Tapawera, then on-road to Baton Valley, crossing over from Motueka river’s west bank on Pokororo swing bridge and onto this new section.
“There are an increasing number of walkers and cyclists using the trail with a counter at Baton Bridge recording 6,600 people for the last year,” says Belinda Crisp, manager of the Great Taste Trail. “Thanks go to landowners, Motueka Valley Association, Ngātīmoti School and TDC for their support.”
After the launch, refreshments were served at Ngātīmoti School’s Rathgar House.
“It’s fantastic for us as a family to have the trail on our doorstep, says Rebecca Smith,” one of the many local residents who support the trail.
“It’s not just a cycle trail, it’s a way of connecting with the community, meeting people while you’re out walking, running or cycling.”
Rebecca and her family have been on most of the trail and she considers the new section “the most scenic”.
The next stage of the trail will be between Holt Valley Rd and Wai-iti Domain but this is pending fundraising and landowner consent.