4 | Ruapehu District Council: Te Ara Mangawhero and Te Hangāruru T T Kim Newth New trails a boost for Ruapehu region The two new trails will add to the region’s already extensive trails network in the Ruapehu region. “The trails connect people to Ruapehu’s unique alpine environments and provide a platform for manaakitanga (hospitality) that strengthens community bonds.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Two new trail developments – Te Ara Mangawhero and Te Hangāruru – represent a significant milestone in the continued evolution of one of New Zealand’s premier Great Rides, Mountains to Sea – Nga Ara Tūhono. These exciting new trails, set to be fully completed by 2026, are poised to lift visitor numbers and provide a much-needed economic boost for the Ruapehu region. That’s according to the Mountains to Sea – Nga Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust that governs the Great Ride’s development. With representation from Ruapehu and Whanganui District Councils, iwi partners (including Ngāti Rangi, Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, Whanganui Māori RTO and Tupoho), the Department of Conservation (DOC), and local communities, the trust is a collaborative force. “Together, we work to maintain and expand the trails, promote their unique heritage, and deliver long-term benefits to the region,” explains local trail champion Lynley Twyman. The two new trails will add to the region’s already extensive trails network that includes Ohakune Old Coach Road, and Mangapurua (Bridge to Nowhere), Kaiwhakauka, Fishers Track, Whanganui River Road and the pathway from Upokongaro to North Mole. “All showcase stunning landscapes, historic pathways, and deep cultural connections. They are key to positioning Ruapehu and Whanganui as must-visit destinations for both domestic and international visitors,” says Lynley. Once completed, the new Te Ara Mangawhero and Te Hangāruru sections are expected to generate around $60 million annually for the local economy, and create 445 jobs directly and indirectly. For a region grappling with challenges such as mill closures, poor ski seasons, and the loss of key tourism assets, these trails are helping to provide hope for a brighter future. As Lynley points out, trails create opportunities for local businesses, from accommodation providers to guiding services. By providing year-round tourism opportunities, the trails help stabilise local economies and ensure steady visitor numbers, regardless of seasonal fluctuations. This trickle-down effect extends to cafes, bike hire shops, transportation providers, and more, benefitting the wider community. “Beyond economic gains, the trails foster a connection to nature, offering significant health benefits. They encourage physical activity, reduce stress, and inspire environmental T T to page 6 stewardship by showcasing the beauty and importance of the natural world,” says Lynley. “The trails connect people to Ruapehu’s unique alpine environments and provide a platform for manaakitanga (hospitality) that strengthens community bonds.” Mayor Weston Kirton has highlighted Te Ara Mangawhero as a beacon of hope during a time of economic uncertainty, describing it as an investment in resilience and well-being for Ruapehu’s communities. With an estimated 50,000 annual users, the trail is poised to become a cornerstone of the local economy. The first 13km loop of the Te Ara Mangawhero trail opened in November 2024, funded by Kānoa and the NZ Cycle Trail Enhancement Fund. Starting near Tūroa and connecting to the Ohakune Old Coach Road, Te Ara Mangawhero will eventually be a 21.4km trail showcasing alpine landscapes and historical relics like the Bennett and Punch bush tramway, as well as highlighting the cultural significance of Mount Ruapehu within the rohe of Ngāti Rangi. Balancing accessibility with sustainability, the trail is being built by Dodge Contracting, a master trail builder, with input from Ngā Waihua o Paerangi. “From interpreting geological features to sharing Ngāti Rangi’s stories, the trail educates as much as it inspires. Ngāti Rangi Pou Ārahi Helen Leahy has described the trail as ‘kaitiakitanga in action,’ celebrating Ngāti Rangi’s role in caring for and protecting Te Ao Tūroa.” Quality pedestrian bridges, built tough in New Zealand | 06 366 0318 |
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=