Our history begins in 2013 when the Waipukurau Rotary Club created the Rotary River Pathways Trust.

Original Trustees were a group of likeminded people who wanted to see the further development of a trail network in and around the Waipukurau and Waipawa areas, that would be available for people to use for outdoor activities. They worked with Hawkes Bay Regional Council and the local Central Hawkes Bay District Council to establish a plan for a trail network and then set about working together to develop it.

The original trails were established mainly within the areas along the stop banks and river berm areas of the Tukituki and Waipawa rivers, and then the Gum Tree Farm mountain bike park was established. The Trust has a long term lease arrange agreement with the HBRC for the use of the Gum Tree Farm.

A tremendous contribution from individuals had started the trails, working in their own time and providing their own gear. The Trust being formed then helped to bring the efforts of those people into a more coordinated approach and get some planning as to what was needed and where.

We are proud of our achievements so far.

  • First limestone trails opened 20xx

  • Gum Tree Farm opened with first tracks

  • Swing bridge fundraising to cross the Tukituki River

  • Swing bridge opened

  • Extension to Waipawa via Taiparu Road

  • Extension to limestone trails heading west on the Tukituki river started with the Provincial Growth Fund money - including bridges at Black Creek and Wilson’s Stream creating a complete loop of trails

  • Track to Lindsay Tunnel, and access and easement kindly granted by Mr J D Hamilton

  • Additional 10km of tracks added to the Gum Tree Farm with the help of Provincial Growth Fund

Our Aim:

Is to provide a series of trails that will allow for the community to engage in outdoor activities - running, walking, biking and horse riding. That the trails will continual to grow over the years with the support and contributions from the people of Central Hawkes Bay.

Our immediate plans are to:

  • Restore the trails to the condition and extent they were prior to the March 2022 river flood. This is in particular the river berm trails.

  • Restore the Swing Bridge across the Tukituki River - it is an iconic feature of the trails network and completes the loop.

We have some ideas for future development - they include:

  • Extending the trail to Onga Onga via the river stop banks

  • Extend the trail to Waipawa via the river berm and stop banks