From the mountain...
Off road Grade 2 - 3 trail approximately 21.3km long from Tūroa (Massey Flat) to Ohakune (connecting to both the town and Ohakune Old Coach Road) two-way shared path taking cyclists (and walkers) through the spectacular flanks of Mt Ruapehu. The proposed new trails utilise sections of the Old Blyth Track, winds through Rimu Hill and makes the most of the old Bennett and Punch tramline.
On completion the Te Ara Mangawhero will replace the Ohakune Mountain Road as the start of the Mountains to Sea - Nga Ara Tūhono.
Project Updates
Te Ara Mangawhero - Phase One
Proposed route.
Image credit | Cheal
Stage One
- Construction officially started 18 July 2023 with a target completion in December 2023.
Development/construction of a family-friendly Grade 2 shared use walking and cycling trail on the southern slopes of Ruapehu known as Te Ara Mangawhero. Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust is due to commence following a robust permissions process for the first 8.8 km (Phase One) of the trail. Two stages will complete the 21.3 km Te Ara Mangawhero trail. The purpose of a multi-staged approach is to give confidence in construction methodology and trail management. This approach will provide an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to a light tread, minimal environmental impact, and soft approach to construction.
Minimal disturbance on the taiao (environment) and ngahere (forest) has been achieved by the collaborative approach of knowledge sharing and professional expertise of all who have contributed to the final design of the trail, because this principle was adopted early, the Ruapehu WorX team managed to find an alignment that:
85% of the track development is placed on top of the existing Bennett and Punch forestry tramline
7% of new track construction is within the heavily modified Ohakune Mountain Road corridor
4% of new track construction follows the access road for the Ohakune raw water pipeline
4% of new track construction is on Ngāti Rangi privately owned land
Turning the first sod - Tuesday 18 July 2023
With the support of our village, Ngāti Rangi took the first steps towards constructing the Te Ara Mangawhero.
Mana whenua working to protect the future.
Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust is the iwi authority for Ngāti Rangi, an iwi based on the southern slopes of our tupuna – Koro Ruapehu. As tangata tiaki, the maintenance and improvement in the quality of our air, water and whenua are a mechanism for the management of a sustainable and holistic environment that we strive for as a people.
Ngāti Rangi recognises that our world is changing and for our vision “Kia mura ai te ora o Ngāti Rangi ki tua o te 1,000 tau – Ngāti Rangi continues to vibrantly exist in 1,000 years” to come to fruition, we need to ensure that the health and wellbeing of the environment are at the forefront of all decisions. It is our responsibility to ensure that the quality of our environment is in a better state, but at the very least, no worse than the conditions that exist currently, for future generations. To fulfil these responsibilities, we look for opportunities to be true kaitiaki of our natural world.
Lands within our rohe provide Ngāti Rangi with the perfect environment to achieve positive results and make a difference in the lives of our people and community. As tangata tiaki, Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust and Ruapehu WorX will develop, operate and manage Te Ara Mangawhero. This will nurture a strong and maintained connection with our maunga, wai and whenua enabling care and reciprocity for the location while providing employment and growth opportunities for local people.
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