More Improvements Coming to Huatoki Walkway

One of the more challenging sections of the Huatoki Walkway will be improved during summer.

As part of the Let’s Go programme, New Plymouth District Council will redevelop the walkway between Parsons and Maratahu streets.

“We had already planned to improve the section from the CBD to Maratahu Street, but after feedback from the public we’ve decided to extend the work to near Parsons Street,” says Let’s Go Project Manager Carl Whittleston.

“Work will start in February next year and when it’s completed we’ll have a very good quality off-road route between Vogeltown and the central city for walkers, runners and cyclists, and those pushing a buggy.”

The Maratahu-Parsons section is particularly challenging for users because of many rough, slippery and steep parts. The project will make this section of the track less steep in places with compacted gravel on the path’s surface – although a light chip seal will be necessary on some of the steeper sections, for user safety.

“From Maratahu to the city there will be a gravel surface about 2.5m wide in most places,” says Mr Whittleston. “This will bring most of the Huatoki Walkway up to the standard of Te Henui Walkway, which we recently upgraded.”

The Council has walked over the site with various interested parties, including the Upper Huatoki Users Group and the Huatoki Conservation Group, to discuss the planned improvements and get their feedback.