Ōmokoroa to Tauranga Cycleway
Where we're at
Want to know where we're up to with each section? Have a play on our interactive story map to find out more.
Note re Lochhead Road section - access around the small loop track around the peninsula is currently unavailable for cycling.
Background to the Project
This 19km route, made up of both new and existing off-road shared paths and local road connections, will provide a link between the growing township of Ōmokoroa and Tauranga City's existing urban cycleway network.
This is a high profile project for the region with significant community support, including contributions from the Tauranga Round Table and other potential external investors, as well as assistance from project partners PowerCo and KiwiRail.
The project will provide an alternative way to access the urban communities in the area, schools, parks and reserves, Tauranga Harbour area and the higher density rural development areas planned for under the sub-region's SmartGrowth partnership.
The development of this northern city route will also provide an alternative transport choice to the busy State Highway 2 corridor that connects the area to Tauranga City.
Benefits of the Cycleway
The project will provide a much safer alternative to the existing state highway corridor, where heavy and high-volume traffic is suppressing demand for cycling.
This scenic route will encourage more walking and cycling between the urban communities in the area and is likely to increase the number of children cycling to school. It will also become a key part of a tourist trail from Waihi to Maketu.
The route is expected to attract 130-200 commuter cyclists a day, with a higher estimate for recreational users.
Key Facts
Estimated cost is $11,000,000. Funding is between NZ Transport Agency, Western Bay Council and Tauranga City Council - with additional community and third party contributions including a $1million grant from TECT.
Cycleway User Survey
An user survey was commissioned by Council and undertaken over a 10-day period in late December 2020 by Xyst Limited, a company which specialises in surveys at parks and facilities around New Zealand and Australia.
Of the 199 people surveyed, both online and face-to-face on the cycleway, more than 93.5 percent were either satisfied or very satisfied with the experience – the most important features being the scenery and the natural beauty of the estuarine environment.
The findings show:
- 80 percent of users were aged 45 and over
- 50 percent used the trail at least twice a week
- 25 percent completed the whole trail in one day, return
- 75 percent did shorter sections
- most users drove or cycled to the cycleway
- 59 percent are cyclists; 44 percent of which used e-bikes
- 65 percent lived within walking or cycling distance
- 9 percent were visitors from outside the area
- trail safety, cleanliness and lack of litter were most important features
- trail safety was an issue with many respondents
- overall satisfaction 93.5 percent
- concern at lack of trail etiquette and respect for other users
- health and fitness, relaxation, enjoyment of scenery were the main reasons for use
Read the full report
