Wairarapa Moana Trail

Prior to 2018 locals formed Wairarapa Moana Trail Trust (WMTT) to learn more about an often requested need: greater connection between the Featherston people and the whenua – particularly in terms of getting down to Wairarapa Moana (and back again in one piece).
After successful fundraising rounds, research, and reaching out through events such as Featherston Expos; Whakarongo ki teTaiao; Mysteries of the Moana; Featherston Christmas Parade; Paetūmōkai Featherston School bike track launch etc., WMTT were awarded funding to contract an engineering feasibility study from ROAM that investigates the feasibility of a route between Featherston and Wairarapa Moana Lake Domain; plus, a cost-benefit analysis.
Following much outreach and on-site consultation, a 7.24km best-option route was determined.
Construction is calculated at $1.2 million to meet a grade 2 spec. Annual maintenance is estimated to be ~$12,000 per year.
Wairarapa Moana is a taonga, and a place of local cultural, ecological, and historical significance. Many locals and visitors wish to connect with Wairarapa Moana more, and to preserve the environment for inanga, kākahi, and other rare species.
The Benefit:Cost ratio for the trail is between 4.1 & 4.9 (Regional & National level, respectively). This was very strong, and estimates net economic benefits (NPV) of ~$4.1 to $5 million (at a Regional & National Level) every year.
Only a handful of these users are commuters; instead, hundreds of local single-day users meet thousands of out-of-region and international users to enjoy the Wairarapa valleys, lakes, and mountains. This represents a significant catchment for a local, boutique tourism and hospitality sector to service cyclists and walkers visiting Featherston for the heritage or the hermitage.
It’s not just about infrastructure; it’s about preserving a precious environment and stimulating a burgeoning tourism industry, paving the way for a sustainable future.