After months of perseverance and planning, the repairs to the Hauraki Rail Trail following Cyclone Gabrielle are now full steam ahead. Thanks to the recent stretch of hot, dry weather, crews have been able to make significant progress on restoring and future-proofing the Trail, ensuring it remains a safe and enjoyable ride for all.
The impact of the cyclone was severe, particularly between Waihi and Waikino, where unstable riverside banks made access impossible for any maintenance vehicles. “Early on, we nearly lost a ute into the river when the track gave way underneath it,” recalls Hauraki Rail Trail CEO Diane Drummond. “The ground was just too wet and unsafe, so we had to wait until conditions allowed us to work safely.”
Now, with major stabilisation work completed, access has been restored, allowing repairs to move forward. While some sections have been concreted to prevent future washouts, the majority of the trail repairs have used natural materials, carefully bedded in to blend with the surrounding landscape.
It’s not just Waihi to Waikino seeing improvements, further south near Te Aroha, major repairs to a slip have prevented a potential closure of the Trail, with the results are already making a difference.
Hauraki Rail Trail team member Olivia Robinson recently rode the Waihi to Waikino Section with her family. “The surface was so good that even my four-year-old had a great time riding the eight kilometres,” she said. With the promise of a train trip back to Waihi, the ride was an adventure the whole family enjoyed.
As work continues, next time you spot the hardworking crew out on the Trail, give them a wave or a shout-out. Their dedication in tough conditions is ensuring the Hauraki Rail Trail remains one of New Zealand’s best cycling experiences for years to come.
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