Nelson Tasman trail receives signage makeover

A walking and mountain biking trail near Nelson has been given a makeover with the installation of signage and route markers to make it easier for outdoor recreation enthusiasts to find and enjoy.

The previously unmarked 13.9 kilometre trail passes through open country and pine forest, linking the Barnicoat Walkway to Easby Park in Richmond and other tracks in the Richmond hills.

The signage upgrade is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council, with funding support from the New Zealand Walking Access Commission.

Commission Chairman John Forbes said the new signage was a cost-effective measure that would make the trail easier to locate and follow, resulting in a much improved recreational asset for the region.

Forbes stated "this is an access corridor that has been available for years without being widely known. The project to signpost it is a great example of councils and the Commission working together to provide much needed information."

Nelson City Council Mayor Rachel Reese said that as a keen walker, she was always appreciative of new areas to discover and enjoy, and the joint initiative would encourage others to do the same.

Mayor Reese explained "this is a great example of both councils working together, with help from the Commission, on something that will be enjoyed by both Nelson and Tasman residents."

Tasman District Council Mayor Richard Kempthorne said the trail provided a valuable link to other scenic trails and recreational opportunities in the region, concluding "the walk's elevation provides extensive views of Tasman Bay, the Waimea Estuary and Plains and surrounding mountains with the marked route climbing through Dellside Reserve and Kingsland Forest where an extensive network of walking tracks and mountain biking tracks provide additional recreational options for users."

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