An opening ceremony and free sausage sizzle will be held on Sunday, 14 August to celebrate the newly extended Rakahuri Trail in Rangiora.

Approximately four kilometres has been added to the track to create an 8.8km loop for mountain bikers and walkers. New ramps have been installed as part of the track extension. The track is designed for mountain bikers to ride in one direction only, making the track safer for all users.

There are now approximately 21.5km of walking and biking tracks in the Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park.

Event details

When: Sunday, 14 August, 10.30am

Where: Rail Bridge Picnic Area at the north end of East Belt, Rangiora. View approximate location in Google maps.

• The official opening ceremony starts at 10.30am and is open to the public. After the track is officially declared open, everyone is welcome to explore the loop track on their bikes or on foot.
• Regional park rangers will run a free sausage sizzle in the Rail Bridge Picnic Area from about 11.30am.
• Parking will be available beside the Rail Bridge Picnic Area at the north end of East Belt.

“We are delighted to be officially opening the Rakahuri track extension, which adds another great recreation opportunity in this area,” said Parks and Forests Manager Chuck Dowdell. “With spring around the corner, we hope to see more people out enjoying the track network”.

The North Canterbury Cycling Club contributed $5000 towards the costs of the track extension. A representative from the club will take part in the opening ceremony.

The Rakahuri Trail is part of Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park, one of three regional parks owned and managed by us.