Huka Falls Road path extension
Project overview
Work on the second stage of the footpath between The Boulevard and the Huka Falls carpark started in May 2020. The work taking place now will complete the planned extension of the path, giving walkers a safer – and much smoother – journey to reach Huka Falls from Taupō.
The first stage, completed in early 2018, saw a new 1.5m wide concrete footpath built on Huka Falls Road starting about 200m north east of Clearwater Lane and run 1.4km along the road, past Hipapatua Recreation Reserve towards the Huka Falls.
| Location: | Huka Falls Road Taupō |
| Project status: | Complete |
| Start date: | May 2020 |
| Completion date: | December 2020 |
| Contractor: | Burgess and Sons
Construction Ltd
|
Project updates
Pictured above: Project manager Nick Beacock and Councillor Kevin Taylor take in the view from the completed Huka Falls Road path.
DECEMBER 18 2020
Work on the second and final stage of the footpath to Huka Falls carpark has been completed in time for the peak visitor season.
Work started in May this year and the finished path creates an improved, pedestrian-friendly connection between Taupō town centre and Huka Falls.
Head of operations and infrastructure Kevin Strongman said it provided safe access for both locals and tourists. “With stunning views of the river along much of the path leading toward one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand, this infrastructure is a great addition to the area,” he said.
We hope you can check it out soon and enjoy some of the beautiful views on offer. The path was fully funded by Waka Kotahi – NZ Transport Agency.
Pictured above: Project manager Nick Beacock checks out a new section of the Huka Falls Road path.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
Construction of the new footpath on Huka Falls Road is nearing completion, with the final stretch of elevated footpath being prepared for concreting.
Project manager Nick Beacock said although the weather had not been ideal, good steady progress was being made by local contractors Burgess and Sons and sub-contractors Harden-Up.
“We are now working on the elevated part of the footpath as it nears the entrance to Huka Falls which is the most technically challenging section of the footpath” he said.
“We are well and truly on the home stretch and if we can get a good run of fine weather, we’ll have everything in place by the end of September.
“The footpath is not only a lot safer for pedestrians, it will also offer some great views and I think locals and visitors alike are going to enjoy it.”
AUGUST 7, 2020
The recent stretch of fine weather has seen good progress made on the new Huka Falls Road footpath by local contractor Harden Up. The project is running to schedule with all work completed on the eastern side of the road, while the contractor is now constructing the footpath on the western side.
We are now over halfway through the project, with just some minor finishing works to be carried out on the eastern side, and are on track to have everything completed by the end of September 2020 in time for daylight savings.
JUNE 23, 2020
Local contractor Hard Yards are tracking well on the new footpath on Huka Falls Road, with three concrete pours completed and one more to go on the current stage.
Head of operations and infrastructure Kevin Strongman said the footpath is a great way to connect the Taupō town centre to one of our local icons and he was looking forward to the final stage being ready for summer.
“The new footpath is safer for users, and also easier for people with push chairs to use. For visitors and locals alike it is going to be a great way to get out and see the Falls without having to use a car, and I think it’s going to prove very popular whether as a great way to see the Falls or just get out and get some exercise,” he said.
JUNE 16, 2020
Work to complete the Huka Falls Road footpath is taking shape! A new section of path between The Boulevard and Clearwater Lane is partially complete, with groundwork starting on the opposite side of the road where the path will join up with the first stage of the footpath built in 2018. Once this area has been finished, work will get underway to link the path through to the Huka Falls car park entrance to complete the final phase of the project.
Weather permitting, the new path should be complete in early September 2020.
Related media releases
November 15, 2020: Huka Falls Road to be closed periodically
