New shared pathway is part of the Ōtaki to Peka Peka Expressway project - and wider experience

Brent Cherry cycles through the Makahuri underpass. Photo / David Haxton

Early users of the new 10km-long shared pathway alongside Kāpiti’s newest stretch of expressway have been impressed.

Built as part of the Peka Peka to Ōtaki (PP2Ō) expressway project, the shared pathway, which officially opens tomorrow, links with the previously completed MacKay’s to Peka Peka (M2PP) shared path and runs to Ōtaki River and on through to Te Roto Rd near the Ōtaki Māori Racing Club.

The new shared pathway means there is an off-road pathway linked together from Paekākāriki to Ōtaki, creating an enticing experience for users.

Starting in Paekākāriki, the overall 35km shared pathway cuts through Queen Elizabeth Park, before a short ride east along Poplar Ave, and then along the shared pathway from Raumati South all the way to Ōtaki - making it safer, easier and even more picturesque for pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders to explore the coast.

Dubbed Coast35 for its 35 kilometres that runs the full length of the coast, the completed trail is expected to delight thousands of regular pathway users, as well as entice visitors from around the country to spend more time in Kāpiti.

“We now have a fantastic, accessible resource for our entire community to enjoy,” Kāpiti mayor Janet Holborow said.

“We can now offer our visitors a unique way to experience Kāpiti – and encourage them to call into some of our local shops and cafes as they do so.

“Whatever your mode of transport – bicycle, horse, pram, mobility scooter or your own two legs, our trail network is a great way to spend the weekend while soaking up our stunning coastal environment.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work of Kāpiti Coast District Council staff, Waka Kotahi, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Elevate Ōtaki in delivering this final piece of our network.

“Getting to this milestone has truly been a labour of love, dedication and collaboration.

“This infrastructure is a game-changer for Kāpiti and how we get around our district.”

Cycling advocate Lynn Sleath noted the PP20 project didn’t originally include a shared pathway.

“It was only after a campaign lead by ex-councillor James Cootes and resourced by Kāpiti Cycling Action that Waka Kotahi reviewed its position, conceding that a pathway was justified.”

Some of the highlights of the new section are cycling over the Ōtaki River bridge and through an underpass at Makahuri (formerly known as Marycrest).

Malcolm and Lesley Wicks from Ōtaki have previously been driving to Peka Peka to get their cycling in, but with the new shared pathway they can now ride straight from their home.

“It’s absolutely fabulous,” Lesley said.

Malcolm and Lesley Wicks during a break. Photo / David Haxton

Malcolm said the pathway was “about time” and felt there should be more signage.

Currently the two are biking twice a week, but the pair said the new pathway might mean they can do it more often.

Another cyclist, Brent Cherry from Waikanae Beach, was also rapt and noted people could even cycle south all the way to Plimmerton.

Cr Rob Kofoed, who is part of the Kāpiti cycleway, walkway and bridleway advisory group, checked out the new route on Saturday.

“There were hundreds of cyclists young and old, fit and less fit, e-bikes and normal bikes.

“The Ōtaki gateway sculpture attracted sightseers like moths to a candle.

“The community have been rewarded for their patience with the completion of the cycleway which has been a resounding success.”

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency regional relationships director Emma Speight said there was a growing need for such facilities.

“While roads are an important part of our transport infrastructure, it’s also essential we help all people, including pedestrians and cyclists, to get from A to B as safely as possible.

“Protected shared paths like this are a proven way to do it.”

She said the path connects communities and helps them access important areas like local schools and recreational sites.

“We’re excited about this new shared path, and we’re excited about the opportunities it brings for Kāpiti.”

The shared pathway over the Ōtaki River bridge. Photo / David Haxton

A new Kāpiti Coast Trails Map with detailed information is available at Tracks and Trails - Kāpiti Coast District Council (kapiticoast.govt.nz).

Printed copies will be available from council service centres from May 22.

While not part of the PP2Ō Expressway project, work to extend the shared path is planned.

“It will be extended over the existing Ōtaki River bridge, through Ōtaki town, and up to Taylor’s Rd,” Speight said.

“Works will include clip-on structures on to the eastern side of the old Ōtaki River and Waitohu Stream bridges that allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross those waterways safely.”

This project starts on Monday beginning with the support structures at each end of the old Ōtaki River bridge.

“This part of the project won’t affect road users. However, from August, there’ll be a lane closure on the bridge with temporary traffic management in place.

“This is for the safety of crews and road users and is to allow the support structures to be attached to the bridge. This work is expected to take place over several months.”

Key features of the new 10km shared pathway include:

Safe stream and river crossings

Safe connections to the local road network

An underpass at Makahuri (formerly known as Marycrest) provides safe passage under the expressway, and a signalised crossing by the underpass allows safe crossing of the old State Highway 1

An upgraded railway level crossing at Makahuri

A 3m-wide shared path across the new Ōtaki River bridge

Access to the Winstone Lakes and Te Roto Rd (north of the Ōtaki River Bridge)

Access for horse riders