A section of walking track from Te Kūiti township to the Mangaokewa Reserve will be open in time for Christmas and the summer holiday season.

Previously overgrown and in need of an upgrade, the track forms part of the Te Araroa Trail, which also incorporates Brook Park and follows the river from Te Kumi Road through to the existing river track.

The internationally recognised Te Araroa Trail is a continuous 3000km walking track traversing the length of New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

Work on upgrading the track through Te Kūiti township started last year, with the most recent section from Ahoroa Ford and along the river to Mangaokewa Reserve completing the project.

Council’s walkway project is being financed by the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF), which also includes provision for operational expenses to lessen the ongoing financial impact on ratepayers.

Storyboards are also being designed and will be placed at culturally significant areas along the trail. These will be erected in the new year.