Historic Rimutaka Rail Trail to be upgraded

Date: 23 October 2007

The Fell Incline section of the popular Rimutaka Rail Trail is getting some well deserved attention.

The trail attracts very high visitor numbers and is particularly popular with walkers and mountain bikers but has deteriorated as a result of surface water erosion, says Department of Conservation Wairarapa Area Manager Chris Lester.

“Water tables and culverts will be reinstated to working order and the track surface improved to accommodate the growing number of walkers and cyclists using the trail”.

Mr Lester says staff from DOC’s Wairarapa Area Office and Greater Wellington Regional Council have applied their combined experience to ensure best results from the upgrade. DOC manages the Fell Incline section of the Rail Trail from Cross Creek to the Rimutaka Summit within the Rimutaka Forest Park. Greater Wellington Regional Council manages the western section from Kaitoke to the summit.

“We recognise the huge potential for outdoor experience that this trail offers and that it is right on Wellington’s doorstep”.

Originally the domain of the infamous Fell Railway which operated between Cross Creek and the Rimutaka summit, the Fell section of the trail includes three significant tunnels as well as the rugged Siberia crossing.

The remains of the original marshalling yards and service pits at the eastern end of the trail depict the hive of activity once associated with the rail operation. The fell railway became obsolete in 1955 with the completion of the Rimutaka rail tunnel which provides easier rail access between Wellington and the Wairarapa.

“There is plenty of opportunity for the future development of the rail trail as a recreational asset and this potential will be progressively investigated”.

Visit the DOC website to find out more about the Rimutaka Rail Trail:

www.doct.govt.nz>parks and recreation>tracks and walks>Wellington>wairarapa

ENDS

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