New cycle track for South Wairarapa

A once-inaccessible part of the South Wairarapa coast is now open to the public after the official opening of the Rimutaka Cycle Trail.

Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key is due to open the 115km trail in a ceremony in Petone today.

The trail is now classed as one of New Zealand's Great Rides under the Government's Nga Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

"We've ended up with a terrific two-to three-day Great Ride that will take cyclists through distinctive Wellington and Wairarapa landscapes and present our regional stories, all of which are supported by world-class products," said David Hancock, Destination Wairarapa's general manager.

"All this along a trail that is well signposted and offers a good mix of cycling grades."

Looping from Petone over the Rimutakas to Featherston and down to Ocean Beach, it leads up to Wainuiomata's Orongorongo River.

Cyclists will also pass by the picturesque Turakirae Head, home to the largest New Zealand fur seal colony in the Wellington region.

Three stages of the cycleway are complete, with the final section from Ocean Beach to Orongorongo currently being finalised.