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| TDC staff members Aaron Brunton and Ray Dunlop with Councillor Barry Hickling laying the final pavers of the Great Lake Walkway (Photo: Taupo District Council) |
The last of 1.3 million pavers were laid at an official ceremony to mark the completion of the Great Lake Walkway on Thursday 27 August at Wharewaka Point.
Councillor Barry Hickling, along with Taupo District Council staff members Aaron Brunton and Ray Dunlop, laid the final pavers at the opening celebration, which was attended by Councillors, TDC staff, volunteer groups, and others who were involved in the life of the walkway.
Councillor Hickling has been involved in the Great Lake Walkway since before construction started in 1991. “I am over the moon to be celebrating the completion of the walkway. It has been an interesting project and is now a great asset to Taupo. I take great pleasure in watching it get used everyday by walkers and cyclists alike.”
Approximately 7km of walkway stretches from the Taupo Yacht Club to the trig at Wharewaka Point. In the late 1990’s the path was widened to allow cyclists to use the path in a “Share with Care” environment.
Councillor Hickling thanked those who had been involved in the project. Special mention went to the C75 Waipahihi Trustees, who granted access for the path to go across Maori reservation. The Taupo Lion’s group were also commended, having donated funds for a stretch of the path known as the ‘Lion’s Walk’, which starts at 2 Mile Bay and runs through the reserve to the cul-de-sac off Rainbow Point.
No further plans are in place at this stage for the walkway, although Councillor Hickling is optimistic, “Some like I would support council to look at extending it though to 5 Mile Bay within the next 5 years.”
