Dunedin-Port Chalmers shared path completes harbour walking and cycling loop
HON. DAVID PARKER, MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO MEDIA STATEMENT, 26th AUGUST 2023
The completion of the final, most complex section of the Dunedin-Port Chalmers shared path finishes the full walking and cycling loop around Otago Harbour, Transport Minister David Parker said today.
“This path is an amazing new community asset providing a safe and convenient new option for local residents, as well as a wonderful visitor attraction for the city,” he said.
“Finishing the final 5km of the path from St Leonards to Port Chalmers was especially challenging. It involved several large retaining walls, a 600m-long boardwalk across Blanket Bay, more than 200 lights, and 4.5 km of security fencing separating cyclists and pedestrians from sections of path close to the main trunk line.
“The new route includes safety barriers, intersection improvements and safer pedestrian access from the shared path to nearby communities.”
The completed path, named Te Aka Otākou (The Otago Vine), gives Dunedin a continuous 30 km port-to-port walking and cycling route from Port Chalmers to Portobello, on the opposite side of Otago Harbour.
“As a Dunedin boy, I fully appreciate the significance of this project and the opportunities it opens for the harbour residents, tourists, and the city generally.
“It is a massive achievement that will build on the proven success of regional cycling routes like the Otago Rail Trail. I commend the designers and construction team, who had to work in a tightly constrained, historical coastal environment.”
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich described Te Ara Moana, the western section of the path, as a “fantastic addition” to Dunedin.
“With obvious synergy in the name, meaning pathway to the sea, it will deliver a picturesque travel and recreation option for residents as well as a new drawcard for tourists and other visitors,” he said.
“I expect this shared path to Port Chalmers will soon be filled with people cycling, walking, skateboarding, running or riding scooters, all of them enjoying the exercise and the views of our beautiful harbour. I can’t wait to try it out.”
The Government-funded project cost around $50 million. Ongoing management and maintenance will be done by the Dunedin City Council.
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