New Coastal Coastal Connection – Stage 1 gets green light for December opening
The Dunedin Tracks Network Trust announces that Stage One of the highly anticipated Coastal Connection shared pathway has successfully secured full funding and is on track to open by the end of this year.
The ambitious Coastal Connection project will create vital links between Greater Dunedin's north coast communities of Waikouaiti, Karitāne, Warrington, and Waitati, connecting them to each other and to Dunedin city via Port Chalmers and Te Ara Moana Harbour Cycleway. The pathway is divided into five sections for construction.
Stage One represents the first segment of the connection between Waitati and Port Chalmers, featuring a new 4.5km trail stretching from Waitati to Mopanui Road and the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. The project has been made possible through generous funding from multiple sources, including the Lottery Community Facilities Fund, Otago Community Trust, AAW Jones Charitable Trust, and the Sargood Trust.
The route from Waitati to Orokonui Ecosanctuary and beyond to Port Chalmers
"It's so exciting for everyone involved. The dream is becoming reality," said Project Coordinator Emily Cooper. Cooper confirmed that Stage One has been successfully formed across private land and is ready for the final phases of gravelling, fencing, and planting ahead of the December opening.
The next phases of the project have received backing through the Dunedin City Council 9 year plan process and the Otago Regional Council draft annual plan, with budgets being confirmed later this month.
Trust Chair Paul Coffey emphasized the broader strategic importance of council support: "The support of the councils is important because our work to build trails in Dunedin is also about connecting the city to the regional trails. We don't want the city to miss out on the benefits and it seems the councils agree."
Stage One of the trail will allow walkers and riders to access Orokonui Ecosanctuary from Waitati.Trail users will be rewarded with spectacular views of Blueskin Bay throughout the journey.
The Coastal Connection represents a significant investment in sustainable transportation infrastructure and recreational opportunities for the Greater Dunedin region, promoting active transport while connecting communities along one of New Zealand's most scenic coastlines.
A sneak peek of a section of the formed trail showing the predator proof fence of Orokonui Ecosanctuary to the left and a new stock underpass near the trees. Blueskin Bay is visible in the distance. Photo: Hamish Seaton
