Specification

A Walkway specification: Maymorn to Summit, revised 2 December 2011 has been published, detailing standards for the route, and maps showing proposed location of the walkway for the entire route at a high level of detail.

The revised specification includes the following key parameters:

Some lengths of the walkway may serve a dual purpose of providing access to lease holdings, access to some forest locations, and must be suitable for maintenance and provide appropriate GWRC access. Accordingly, changes to the specification may be required in specific locations to cater for these additional purposes.

The current proposal takes in feedback and comment on the original plan: (Detailed Proposal for New Walkway (v1) - historical reference only) and shows the proposed route from Maymorn to Tunnel Gully, and around Kaitoke.

The specification for the proposed alternative walkway is a starting point and the trust welcomes feedback about the standards proposed. Feedback received on 23 November 2011 at Greater Wellington Regional Council hearing was that the gradient was too steep for touring cyclists and the width of the track was too narrow. The trust has investigated ways to widen the walkway and reduce the gradient to a suggested maximum of 4-5%.

Background

The former railway formation is currently used as a recreational walkway, walking, running and cycling permitted for its entire length, with the exception of the length in private ownership through the former Kaitoke station precinct. Horse riding is also permitted between Maymorn and Tunnel Gully.

The former railway formation presents an excellent walkway, being well surfaced and drained, wide, with gentle curvature and relatively easy gradients for most of its length. A similarly high standard replacement walkway will be required.

An integral component of railway project

A new walkway is included in the railway proposal, providing for current cycling and walking activities in the Pakuratahi Forest. The walkway would commence from Maymorn railway station, following the new connection route to the park boundary, heading over the Mangaroa Tunnel, then following the railway line on a contour route to Kaitoke and up the Pakuratahi Valley to Summit.

When will it be constructed?

The new walkway will be constructed in stages ahead of the corresponding railway reinstatement to ensure continuity of walking and cycling activities for park users.

How much will the walkway cost?

The capital cost of the new walkway between Maymorn and Summit has been budgeted at $3.4M.

What about the tunnels?

The new walkway will be located to keep walkers and cyclists away from the railway tunnels in order to ensure public safety. The railway must have absolute occupancy of the tunnels in order to be operated safely. Signage, fencing and other control measures will be put in place accordingly.

Where practicable, viewing areas may be provided so that walkers and cyclists can see the railway tunnels in operation and appreciate them from a safe distance.