Kaipātiki’s walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can now enjoy one of the north shore’s most unique natural features as they travel the newly upgraded Te Ara o Matakamokamo/ Tuff Crater Reserve walkway developed and funded by Kaipātiki Local board.
The final stages of the walkway were completed in October, allowing a step-free journey from Heath Reserve (bottom of Exmouth Road) in the south, traveling anticlockwise around the picturesque mangrove-filled salt marsh crater, through to Warehouse Way on the north side.
“This has been a project that’s dear to our hearts and the board has staged it over several years so we can afford it” explains chair John Gillon. “It’s an extremely important park, both historically and environmentally and it will likely be playing a much larger role being so close to the new population that’s moving into the area as part of the Northcote redevelopment.”
Local walker John Benschop joined the official opening of the track on 12 November alongside members of the local community and the board as they walked the 2.3-kilometre path.
“Tracks like this I think make the bush and countryside easier for everybody to enjoy. Those who have a little bit of difficulty walking, even if they’re in a wheelchair can get around here. and that’s wonderful that they can do that and enjoy the bush and the native birds.”
Looking ahead, the board hopes to connect both ends of the upgraded path to any future northern pathway (such as the Waitematā Harbour Connections project) to create a circuit for the walkway. There are plans in place to create a safe pathway connecting the track to the nearby Onepoto Domain.
You can watch a video from the opening of the walkway here.
