New bridge completes Waihi Beach Dam Circuit track

The Waihi Beach Cycle Trails Community Trust and Western Bay of Plenty District Council are delighted to open a new bridge which completes the Waihi Beach Dam Circuit track at the North end of Waihi Beach.

The walkway bridge opening was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, 30 June.

Waihi Beach Cycle Trails Community Trust and Western Bay of Plenty District Council have been working together to redevelop the former water supply reserve into an experience of walking and cycle trails in Waihi Beach.

The bridge opening completes the Dam Circuit project. Smaller finishing touches such as signage and seating will be completed in the coming months.

Completing this circuit is one part of the bigger picture, which is about having an integrated and connected cycle trail network across the Western Bay, says Waihi Beach Cycle Trails Community Trust member Andy Kennedy

We first opened the Dam trails as a sneak peek at the end of last year when the Trig Lookout was opened and the feedback we've had has been great.

Waihi Beach Community Board Chair Allan Sole commented: the Trig lookout has one of the best views in the Western Bay - the views over the coastline, Kaimai Ranges and across the Tauranga Harbour are spectacular. Judging by the number of locals and visitors alike using the trail over summer it's going to keep growing in popularity.

The big picture goal is connecting the Hauraki Rail Trail to Waihi Beach.

However, in the short term other cycleway projects that the Waihi Beach Community Board and Council are focusing on include completing connections within Waihi Beach through to Bowentown and developing a link to Athenree.

Long term the Council is seeking to develop a cycle trail that connects Waihi Beach to Katikati and Omokoroa as part of the national cycle trail linking Auckland to Tauranga.

Western Bay Council Mayor Garry Webber says the completion of the circuit is a fantastic incremental victory.

Establishing a connected trail network across the District is an ongoing project. As we've seen already to date with the Waihi Dam Circuit Trail is that building a trail not only provides locals with an amazing recreational space but also provides an economic benefit by bringing people to the area.

The new bridge and trail upgrade have been constructed at a cost of $60,000 with the majority- $55,000 from fund raising by the Waihi Beach Cycle Trails Community Trust. Funding was successfully secured from the Lion Foundation and Lillian Valda Trust.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council invested $170,000 in the project which includes the popular Trig Lookout trail.