Tongariro river trail underway

The idea of having a loop walk from the Turangi township up to the Red Hut swing bridge and back is finally becoming a reality thanks to the work of the Advocates for the Tongariro River.

Since Ngati Turangitukua kaumatua Jeffrey Bennett blessed the start of work last month, a team of track builders have been busy forming a high quality track alongside State Highway 1 to extend the existing track from the Hydro Pool through the Waikari Track, past the Tongariro National Trout Centre and on to the Red Hut swing bridge.

President for the Advocates, Stuart Crosbie, is delighted to see years of effort coming to fruition at last.

``We have been planning the Tongariro River Trail for years now and working closely with iwi, Council, the Department of Conservation, the National Trout Centre and other key people to properly address all the issues and make the first stage of the trail a reality.

``I am particularly grateful for the past efforts of John Wheeler and Ross Baker and the current efforts of Eric Wilson as we move beyond planning to actual construction of the trail,'' says Stuart.

``While the Advocates are primarily an environmental protection group, we have always seen the value in improving access to the Tongariro River so more people can come to appreciate and enjoy what a pristine landscape we have right alongside our main highway.

``By having many more New Zealanders experiencing the river, there is a much greater likelihood for its ongoing protection.''

Stuart says there is very strong community endorsement of the initiative. He said the group was especially grateful for the support of local, regional and national level politicians.

`` In particular, it was very pleasing to have our local MP Louise Upston join us last Friday for an inspection of our first boardwalk which had only been completed that day.

Mr Crosbie remains optimistic about completion.

``So long as we are able to secure sufficient funds, the Red Hut loop of the Tongariro River Trail should be operational by Labour Weekend,'' he says.