Nod to elegant stylings of the past at trail opening

Traditional tweeds were the attire of choice when a small crowd gathered near Woodside Station yesterday to celebrate the official opening of the Greytown-Woodside Trail.

The trail is a 5km route through farmlands, offering beautiful scenic views and following the historic branch rail line which closed in the 1950s.

Greytown Trails Trust chair Gerad Taylor thanked everybody for coming out, and gave special mention to the sponsors and volunteers who helped get the project under way.

"I think the trail has everything - a picturesque setting, spectacular views and a meaningful destination at each end," he said.

"The object for today is to discover the trail and enjoy it in a nice leisurely fashion - without spoiling your tweeds."

He said the trust hoped to eventually extend the trail.

South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples was given the honour of opening the trail.

She said the project never would have happened without the dedicated team of volunteers.

Wellington's Amanda Oliver travelled to Greytown especially for the opening with a group of enthusiasts with an interest in vintage and retro cycles.

She was looking forward to biking the track.

"When we heard about the ride, we had to get dressed up and come over," she said.