Options for people walking and on bikes
On-road cyclists can currently use a short section of SH1 Transmission Gully between the Paekākāriki and Mackays Crossing interchanges until construction of the SH59 extension and associated work is complete. The exit for all southbound on-road cyclists is the Paekākāriki interchange.
| The small section of SH1 Transmission Gully between the Paekākāriki and Mackays Crossing interchanges will be reverted to access-restricted motorway after all work in this area has been completed. Once this happens, cyclists won’t be able to use this section (and the rest) of the motorway. We will keep you informed around when this change is to be made. |
State Highway 59 (the old SH1 coastal route) continues to be the preferred route for recreation and active transport because it is more scenic, less steep and has better connections with existing shared paths:
- Te Ara Harakeke (the flax pathway) which connects Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay.
- Te Ara o Whareroa which connects Paekākāriki through Queen Elizabeth Park with the Kāpiti cycle route at Raumati.
Te Ara o Whareroa
Many Wellingtonians have already enjoyed Te Ara o Whareroa, a shared path through Queen Elizabeth Park. Built in 2016 to provide a safe route for cyclists during construction of Transmission Gully at Paekākāriki, Te Ara o Whareroa connects Paekākāriki with Raumati, and is part of the Kāpiti cycle route. Te Ara o Whareroa continues to be the main and safest route for recreational cyclists.
It is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and children.
The path has been designed to meet a gradient grade 1 – the easiest level – for most of the distance. The cycling time from Tilley Road in Paekākāriki to Poplar Ave in Raumati is approximately 20 minutes.
The shared path enjoys views of Kāpiti island, regenerating native trees and shrubs, Kāpiti’s renowned sand dune formations, and great views of Transmission Gully.
Tracks to be built by the Transmission Gully Project
Pāuatahanui path
A one-kilometre-long network of shared paths will be built beside SH58 (between the roundabout with Pāuatahanui village and the new motorway interchange roundabouts). These will provide a better connection from Bradey Road to the Pāuatahanui village and Whitby. The flat gradient of these paths will make them suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as well as families with kids on bikes.
A further kilometre of unsealed recreational and scenic path for walking and cycling will follow the Pāuatahanui stream, overlooking native planting through the new Transmission Gully/SH58 interchange.
Flightys Road to Battle Hill path
A one-metre-wide track will be built from the northern end of Flightys Road to Battle Hill Farm Forest Park. This track has some varying terrain with a gradient up to 15% so won’t be for the faint hearted. Cattle stops/grates need to be installed on the path where stock is moved, so this track is unlikely to be suitable for horses.
Battle Hill Farm to Paekākāriki track
There will be a short section close to the motorway running north from Battle Hill, then a very steep uphill climb (with gradients up to 25%) to an existing track along the western ridgeline continuing through to Paekākāriki. Currently known as the Gasline Track, the ridgeline track sits above the Kapuni gas main that runs all the way from Taranaki to Wellington. The track continues down to SH59 at Paekākāriki via the historic Middle Run farm, beside Te Puka Stream.
The Transmission Gully project team is working with experts in mountain bike track design to see if it can safely become a Grade 4 mountain bike track, as well as a walking track.
Belmont Regional Park
Situated in the hills between Porirua and the Hutt Valley, Belmont Regional Park tracks have been re-connected under the motorway at Wai o Hata (Bridge 19 – north of Te Ara a Toa). There will also be connections under the abutments of Te Ara a Toa to link with existing paths into Cannons Creek and Waitangirua.
For a magnificent view of Te Ara a Toa, the viaduct over the Cannons Creek stream, people can access the track from the top of Takapu Road.
Find out more about Belmont Regional Park tracks at www.gw.govt.nz/parks/belmont-regional-park/(external link)
