Te Aroha to Matamata Official Opening

The much anticipated new Te Aroha to Matamata extension of the Hauraki Rail Trail is almost complete, bringing the long awaited Official Opening to celebrate this fabulous new attraction for the region.  The celebrations will take place on Sunday 1 November at 9.00am at Te Aroha Railway Station.

The Hauraki Rail Trail extensions are a $7.5million project and a joint venture between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and Hauraki and Matamata-Piako District Councils.  Matamata-Piako District Council received $3,786,367 from MBIE’s Enhancing the Great Ride Fund to extend the trail from Te Aroha to Matamata and from Pūkorokoro-Miranda to Kaiaua.

Both extensions are due for completion in December 2020, with Section E construction works largely completed, and landscaping and signage underway.  The extensions will be a valuable addition to the community, generating visitor numbers to our regions and providing health and wellness benefits to residents.

The Hauraki Rail Trail is now 160kms long reaching Kaiaua in the North, Waihi in the East and South to Matamata.  We look forward to a second celebration later in the year for the northern extension from Pūkorokoro-Miranda to Kaiaua where works are ongoing.

Photo: Hauraki Rail Trail - Section E (Te Aroha to Matamata)

It’s wonderful to see new businesses setting up along the trail at Manawaru and Te Aroha West, as the extension provides a great drawcard for visitors.  The completion of the trail is a major milestone in achieving the realisation of a long held vision by the community.

The public are welcome to join us for the Dawn Blessings which will be attended by dignitaries, iwi partners and the Trust.  These will take place at the Te Aroha and Matamata ends of the trail simultaneously at 5.30am.  At the Te Aroha Railway Station, and beside the Oaks on Broadway near the Matamata i-SITE.

Later in the morning after the Blessings, we will have speeches from key dignitaries, the infamous Ribbon Cutting at Te Aroha by our iwi partners, and of course the Cake Cutting by the Three Mayors.  Cafes will be open in Te Aroha, Te Aroha West, Manawaru, Firth Tower and Matamata for breakfast after the speeches.  We look forward to welcoming you all to the new Trail.

Unfortunately under the Covid-19 Level 1 protocols there won’t be an organised ride for this event as we have enjoyed in the past.  Covid-19 has prevented the Trust from providing a shuttle service to cater for riders on this occasion.  Riders may however organise their own group ride event.