A newly formed project team plans to create a 700km network of trails looping around Northland’s east and west coasts.

The team is revitalising a 2018 Northland Walking and Cycling Strategy to develop and secure trail access across Te Tai Tokerau to make a world-class coastal walking and cycling destination.

The vision is a 700km loop that links with buses, boats and trains to enable people to explore as much of Northland as possible. At its completion, the loop will connect the region’s different coasts: the east, known for its stunning scenic beaches, and the west, known for its rugged and wild coastline. They will be joined by the existing Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycleway and the potential Dargaville to Mangawhai Trail. 

Project lead Amanda Bennett said that now was the time for action to make the project happen. 

“I feel in my soul that it’s going to make a huge difference for Northland,” she said.

She is excited to create connections between local communities. At the moment, most of those biking the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycleway are domestic and international visitors, but 40 per cent of users are local. Bennett wants to encourage this local use to help communities stay mentally and physically healthy.