Hauraki Rail Trail Extension - Waihī
We asked for feedback on a proposed scenic route into Waihi for the Hauraki Rail Trail, from the Goldfields Railway station along the Ōhinemuri River during our Long Term Plan consultation. The current trail follows Wrigley Street and Parry Palm Avenue into Waihi CBD. We already have plans to improve this existing route for safety, dependent on some decisions from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
During the public feedback process, 72% of respondents wanted us to build a new scenic route along the river, while 28% wanted us to do nothing. After considering the feedback, we have decided to develop a second, more scenic route into Waihi. We think this will link nicely to the rest of the Hauraki Rail Trail along the Ōhinemuri River and provide visitors with a picturesque ride into Waihī. In the future, this scenic route could link to the ‘Waihī to Waihī Beach’ trail, if the Western Bay of Plenty District Council progresses the trail to Waihi Beach. We’ve included $1.47 million in our budget to do this project in 2021/22, paid for by the Waihī Ward ratepayers.
Wellington Street Boardwalk - 12 September 2023 Update
The Council’s in-house Works Team and our contractor, N&T Higgins, have been flat out finishing another boardwalk; this time it’s in Wellington Street.
This stretch of boardwalk covers exposed tree roots which will make the trail safer for users and protect the trees from damage.
More work is planned to connect Wellington Street to Goldfields Railway Station.
Gilmour Lake to Ōhinemuri River Boardwalk - 5 September 2023 Update
The trail is looking great thanks to Council’s in-house Works team and our contractor, N&T Higgins.
The section of walkway adjacent to SH2, between Gilmour Lake and the Ōhinemuri River has now had it's finishing touches and we're able to open this section earlier than expected.
It's definitely worth a look, especially if the sun stays out.
Gilmour Reserve work underway for Rail Trail extension
19 July 2022 Update
Lots of good things are happening in Gilmour Reserve!
The lovely fountain is operational again and we’re making headway with the Rail Trail extension through the park. This week, we’ll finish boxing up the path (weather permitting) and lay concrete after the July school holidays.
The footpath shown in red on the map, will be closed to the public when the concreting work begins. We’re also building a new timber boardwalk to cross the stream near the southern end of the path shown in orange.
Work is weather dependent, but as things warm up, we’ll be able to pick up the pace. Concrete is a more durable so you'll see it used in high use areas and where there’s potential for flooding and scouring.
Access to Gilmour Reserve
11 May 2022 Update
Yesterday our team started work on connecting the trail to Gilmour Reserve. There's a slight amendment to the design. The path from under the State Highway 2 bridge will meet up with the track around Gilmour Lake via a boardwalk that crosses the stream between the trail and the reserve. The cycle trail then continues along the open area of reserve and joins up with the current path. (See proposed route highlighted in yellow below.)
4 May 2022 update:
The Hauraki Rail Trail extension along Riverbank Terrace in Waihī is shaping up beautifully. Concrete is now in place from under the bridge at Tauranga Road to part way along the Riverbank Terrace. The path is still under construction through to the end of Montrose Road so not quite ready for cyclists yet but it's looking good
23 March 2022 update:
The Waihī Rail Trail extension is really taking shape on council land from the bottom of Wellington Street around to Riverbank Terrace and along to Gilmour Reserve.
Our Works team have been hard at work digging out the route and shaping the track’s base-course with aggregate between Wellington and Montrose Streets and will lay aggregate along Riverbank Terrace next.
The exact route between Railway Station and Victoria Street, and from Gilmour Lake to the town centre is still under consultation with some stakeholders so we've got started on council land work first.
An Aussie film crew will be in town to film an episode of Trail Towns before Easter, so hopefully we’ll have lots to show off by then! Check out this post on Go Waihī’s Facebook page today –
Trail towns including Waihī to feature on Aussie TV
“Destination Coromandel has secured government funding to partner with Hamilton Waikato Tourism to film an episode of Trail Towns for Australian TV.
Filming will take place on the Hauraki Rail Trail just before Easter, featuring the trail towns of Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Matamata and Waihī.
With our border open to Australia it’ll be great to welcome visitors from across the ditch.”
Here's some great news!
7 March 2022 update:
Our works team started construction on the Hauraki Rail Trail (HRT) extension in Waihī on Monday 7 March 2022.
The scenic extension of the trail will continue from the current end of the trail at Goldfields Railway, to the central business area of Waihī, following the Ōhinemuri River.
The project was highlighted in the Long Term Plan and is largely supported by the Waihi community.
“Extending the route from Goldfields Railway into Waihī town via the beautiful Ōhinemuri River will make the route clear and safer for cyclists to find their way to the boutique shopping, cafes and bakeries on offer in the CBD as well as our Museum and Gold Discovery Centre,” says Anne Marie Spicer, Councillor Waihī Ward.
The exact route between Railway Station and Victoria Street, and from Gilmour Lake to the town centre is still under consultation with some stakeholders so we've got started on council land work first.
Extension works should have little to no impact on traffic, with most of the traffic management being a closed shoulder.