Two sections of the Hūnua Traverse open to the public from 1 July.
To avoid logging trucks, the northern section can be accessed from Clevedon via Otau Mountain Road on weekends and public holidays only. Alternate access to the 14km section is from Moumoukai Hill Road via Ness Valley.
The 24km Waterline Road to Kaiaua southern section will be accessible seven-days a week from Mangatawhiri Valley via Moumoukai Road, or from Kaiaua via Workman Road. That reopens Mangatangi Hill Road, closed since 2018 Hūnua Ranges Regional Park restrictions were put in place.
Hūnua Traverse project co-ordinator Nicki Henshaw says it’s important cyclists note all side roads remain closed unless clearly marked otherwise.
“We’re grateful to Watercare and the parks team for enabling access to parts of the park that have been closed but most side roads remain closed and compliance teams will enforce that.”
A Keeney Road slip caused by Cyclone Gabrielle prevented a full opening, with 6kms along Plows and Keeney roads, between the northern and southern sections, still closed.
“Several factors affect opening more roads, including Watercare’s regeneration work, logging, and cyclists’ compliance with access and bike washing requirements.”
The grade 4 trail, suited to intermediate and advanced cyclists, provides steep, slippery hills and sharp off-camber corners on shared roads. Cyclists should expect vehicles, including trucks, pedestrians, and other riders.
Funded by Franklin Local Board, chair Angela Fulljames says it’s an exciting development that will deliver opportunities to the community, and in time to the city, as the Auckland gateway to the NZ Bike Trail network.
“We’ve worked with the Clevedon Community and Business Association and mana whenua, alongside council organisations, and we expect the Traverse to be a magnet for riders.”
However, she warns that with most of the area outside mobile coverage, it’s important users stay safe by riding to the conditions and sticking to the signposted route.
The Traverse follows public roads and unsealed Watercare service roads within the park and will eventually extend more than 44km from Clevedon to Kaiaua.
At the northern end, car parking is available in Clevedon and at the top of Moumoukai Hill Road, but there is no parking at the top of Otau Mountain Road, where parked cars block the turning circle required for service and emergency vehicles.
Temporary closures may be required at times to accommodate forestry, pest control, maintenance or to mitigate fire risk during the fire season. Riders can check the Hūnua Traverse website and register for up-to-date access information.
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