Tsunami Advisory – Strong & Unusual Currents Expected. Following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia, a National Advisory has been issued for coastal areas of Aotearoa New Zealand, including those along and near the Hauraki Rail Trail. If you're out riding or exploring today, please take extra care around rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas. Strong and unpredictable currents and surges may occur, making conditions dangerous. Stay out of the water, keep clear of beaches, rivers, and shorelines, and avoid harbours, marinas, and estuaries. Even if the weather seems calm, these unusual conditions can pose a serious risk to anyone near the water. Please stay safe and follow official updates from civildefence.govt.nz and the National Emergency Management Agency. If you are planning to ride over the next few days, please check the weather prior to leaving. Heavy rain and strong winds may bring trees down. Please contact us via Facebook or email if you come across any hazards.
The first section of major flood protection complete
The northern end of the Hauraki Rail Trail has experienced some upheaval in recent years.
There has been surface damage from cyclones, the stop-banks work being undertaken by Waikato Regional Council, and Thames Coromandel District Council Kōpū Marine Precinct project.
Photo: Foreshore during the works
It’s called the Hauraki Rail Trail, but between Kopu and Kaiaua, much of it is on top of flood protection stop-banks.
Without the stop-banks, much of the Hauraki Plains would be underwater each high tide, so they provide vital protection to residents, properties, businesses, roads and services, as well as giving cyclists something to ride on.
The stop-banks are designed to withstand a certain storm intensity, and require maintenance over time.
The foreshore between Kopu and Waitakaruru needed to be raised, and has been closed while the upgrade is done.
The first section from Kopu to Pipiroa is now complete.
Photo: Progress on the foreshore as works were underway
Kopu to Pipiroa to re-open very soon
Last week, staff from the Hauraki Rail Trail checked out the new trail surface between Kopu and Pipiroa.
‘The new surface is superb,’ says Diane. ‘We will be ready to reopen this section in the very near future.
We have some minor works to do to smooth out some areas where Waikato Regional Council works on floodgates are still ongoing.
Riders will need to be diligent, but the majority of the Trail is just magnificent.’
Keep a close eye on our website and Facebook for details about the re-opening. It’s going to be very very soon.
Photo: Diane Drummond and Olivia Robinson checking out the new Trail surface between Kopu and Pipiroa
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