Cracking challenge for the team at Para Wetland

Elite cracking into breaking up the rock to open up the pathway

Trail building would be much more straightforward if it was just about laying gravel, but it's also about navigating nature’s surprises with some Kiwi ingenuity and grit. That spirit is currently been put to the test in the Para Wetland, where our team are navigating a small but tough 30-metre stretch of rock face behind the pine trees.

After assessing various options, rock breaking was agreed upon as the safest and most effective solution. GeoSolutions provided expert geotechnical input, and approvals were secured from KiwiRail.

Greg Robinson and the crew at Elite Excavations are now tackling the logistics of working in a tight corridor between a steep hillside and the railway line with limited access. This is not an easy task and they are making great progress.

To ensure no rocks end up on the Main North rail line, a tree-mounted catch fence was installed on 8 October, and preliminary rock breaking began on 13 October.

We will keep you updated on our progress as we continue to build trail through the Para Wetland.