The Department of Conservation (DOC) has confirmed that Pike29
Memorial Track is set to open on 17 February next year.
The 11.6km dual mountain biking and walking track will connect the
Paparoa Track Great Walk to the Pike River Valley.
The new track has been created in partnership between DOC, Ngāti
Waewae and the families of the 29 men who died as a result of the Pike River
mine disaster in November 2010.
‘The opening of the Pike29 Memorial Track is another step towards the
Pike River Families’ dual goal of creating an enduring memory for
their family members lost in the Pike River Mine disaster and creating long
term sustainable economic benefits for those West Coast Communities impacted by the Pike River Mine
disaster,’ says Pike River Families Group Committee chairperson, Colin Smith.
The track rises 880m from the Pike River Valley floor to the
Paparoa Range ridgeline making it a challenging walk or ride.
DOC Greymouth operations manager, Chris Hickford, says it is
designed to be a fantastic track in its own right but can also be used as an
alternative entry/exit point for the Paparoa Track.
For those who do not want to walk the entire Pike29 track, an easy
15-minute walk from the Pike Valley carpark leads to twin bridges within
the forest to give a sense of what the track has to offer.
(Source: Inside Government NZ)
