New signage to welcome, inform, and inspire riders along the Hauraki Rail Trail
The Hauraki Rail Trail is stepping out of the shadows, quite literally, with the installation of striking new trail head signs at our major entry points. For years, this much-loved cycleway has been something of a “hidden in plain sight” treasure, but that’s changing thanks to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, who have helped fund a series of bold, informative entry-point signs.
One of the Trail’s strengths, and challenges, is its “porous” nature. With multiple start and end points, it offers riders endless flexibility, but it also makes it easy to underestimate its scale. These new signs proudly declare the Trail’s full 160km length (that’s 100 miles) stretching from Kaiaua in the north, to Matamata in the south, and eastward to Waihi from Paeroa.
Photo: Trail Head Signage, Matamata
The first three signs are now in place at Kaiaua, Paeroa, and Matamata, with more to follow before Christmas. Matamata’s sign was a particular design challenge, given its close proximity to the iconic Hobbiton-themed visitor centre. The solution, a carefully considered placement in Hetana Street Reserve, between the Information Centre and the historic railway, ensuring the new feature complements rather than competes.
These signs are more than just wayfinders. They showcase stunning kowhaiwhai patterns by artist Rick Fisher, symbolising the many awa (rivers) that run alongside the Trail, from those flowing into Tikapa Moana (Firth of Thames) in the north, across the Pipiroa and Kauaeranga Rivers, down the Waihou, and into the gorge beside the Ohinemuri. The designs also capture the sweeping clouds spilling over the Kaimai and Coromandel Ranges, a familiar sight to local riders.
Photo: Trail Head Signage, Paeroa
As the Hauraki Rail Trail works to weave these taonga into its storytelling, cultural narratives will be at the heart of the experience, celebrating the deep and rich pre-European history that runs alongside every kilometre. For locals and visitors alike, the new trail head signs promise to be both a warm welcome and an invitation to explore more.
Photo: Trail Head Signage, Kaiaua
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