The Peak: New loos and more car space

A project to enhance one of Hawke’s Bay most well-known and well-loved icons has been officially opened at a special event this morning.

The construction of a larger car-park, new toilets and a visitor shelter at the main gates of Te Mata Park was completed in February after receiving a financial boost from the Ministry of Tourism.

The central government grant of $380,000 to go towards the work was announced in June 2017, by then Minister of Tourism Paula Bennett. The balance of $715,000 came from a fund Hastings District Council put aside for the Te Mata Park project. The project also included a second toilet block at the Tauroa Road park entrance as well as drinking fountains and bike wash facilities.

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says there was a strong call from the community for toilets and more parking during feedback for the park’s management plan in 2016. “I’m proud of what’s been achieved with the new facilities, which look great and will only enhance people’s enjoyment of this wonderful natural asset”
“Te Mata Peak is one of our region’s most recognised and most visited attractions and is usually the first place visitors are taken when they come to Hawke’s Bay.”

Te Mata Park Trust Board chairman Mike Devonshire says there has been a huge increase in visitor numbers, with close to a million people now visiting our park every year.

"These new facilities are a popular and welcome addition to the park’s amenities. The feedback has been outstanding. We recently undertook a Park User Survey, and there was nothing but positive comments for the new development. It has been tastefully done, and in keeping with the rustic nature of our Park.

We wish to acknowledge the unwavering support from Hastings District Council and their effective partnership in creating a valuable asset that will be enjoyed by Hawke's Bay families and visitors for many years to come.”

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