Trail Notices and Alerts

During the Labour weekend storm the Wairau River raeched 3500 m3/s flow which saw high velocity water rip through under the State Highway 1 bridge. The result is we have lost 400m of trail. The trail is now CLOSED between the Southern end of the Wairau Bridge along to the higher ground on the river stop bank beside Gills gravel processing facility. We are assessing the rebuild requirements for this section and longer other long term term route options.

The alternative re-route now in place is: when heading South off the Wairau Bridge to to continue with care along the left hand edge of State highway 1 to Spring Creek roundabout, re entering the trail on the Blenheim siide of the roundabout on your left.

When heading North, cross the highway at the Spring Creek roundabout with care, head past the 4 Square shop North to the signage to cross safely over to the Wairau Bridge Northern cycle pathway. Use extreme care along this SH1 section and when crossing the highway.

During the Labour weekend storm the Awatere river main channel moved and washed away several hundred meters of trail adjacent the Awarere Golf Course vineyard. The section is impassable and remains dangerous with the main river flow still eating into the bank.

We are assessing alternative route solutions for the trail at this site and during this time the section is CLOSED to all users. There is trail clsed signage at both ends.

When heading South to Seddon, as you come off the Awatere historic bridge, continue with care up onto State highway 1, climb the small hill up to the 60kph signage of Seddon and ride on the left to the township.

When heading North from Seddon, ride with care on the left side of State Highway 1 (SH1) down to the Awatere Golf Course / SH1 vehicle bridge, TURN LEFT onto the gravel road for 150m and then U TURN onto the trail which leads back to the historic Awatere rail bridgeand continue North as usual.

Use extreme care when riding on SH1

Change of trail layout.  New safer exit from Whale Trail to Old Beach Road including gradient reduction.

Make use  of the stopping area to regroup and check for traffic before heading  over Middle Creek bridge and off towards the Hapuku Bush Trail section

Change  of trail layout.  Curb installed to prevent cylists leaving marked trail  and riding on gravel road.  This is a busy industrial site with fully  laden truck & trailer units using the road heading to the quarry and  concrete plant.

Please  take note of changed layout and DO NOT ride on the gravel road, users  are asked to remain on designated safe dual use cycle / walking trail  and follow signage advising of safe route.