Section of route selected for Great Taste Trail extension

The Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust is working on a project that is the first stage of extending the Great Taste Trail from the Nelson Airport to the Nelson i-Site via Tahunanui.

The aim is to provide a scenic link from the Airport to Tahunanui Beach and eventually an alternative safe biking route to the city centre.

Under discussion by the Works and Infrastructure Committee was one section of the proposed route, from Hounsell Circle to the Tahuna Beach Holiday Park.

Four possible routes through this section were considered. The route approved by the Committee is along Beach Road, next to the playing fields between Waikare Street and the entrance to the Holiday Park.

The Beach Road route is preferred by the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust, and Nelson Bays Football (the main user of the adjacent sports field).

One of the disadvantages of the route is that it will reduce available car parking from 65 to 29 along that section, by converting angle parking to parallel parking.

Works and Infrastructure Committee Chair Stuart Walker says, “The committee carefully considered the issue around the loss of parking. Through observations of parking patterns carried out over the last six months, we were reassured that, apart from times of major events, the removal of these car parks will not have a significant impact.

“The fact that this route also offered a more direct route, less potential conflict with pedestrians and improved safety were all major selling points.”

Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust will be working with Council staff to ensure this trail integrates with the Tahunanui Pathways on-road cycling route.

Josh Aldridge, Trail Manager of the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust says “We’re pleased to be able to progress this project with the support of Nelson City Council as the first stage of connecting the Airport to Nelson City with a high-quality off-road pathway.

“Moving forward, the boardwalk section around the perimeter of the Motor Camp will offer stunning views across Tasman Bay to the Western Ranges. The Trust is continuing to work with key stakeholders to agree the best route for the next phase of the project is which is connecting Parkers Road to the Airport Terminal. Once a dedicated off-road connection is in place along Rocks Road, this will become the official Great Taste Trail route between the Airport and Nelson City."