Users of Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge walking track will notice the location of the temporary carpark on the Ashhurst side of the gorge changing soon.
The switch in carpark locations happens on 1 April. The new temporary carpark will be located on the other side of the road to the current carpark.
The change in carparking is needed as the construction requirements shift for Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway.
Project spokesperson Grant Kauri said the switchover is necessary to allow for the widening of the construction footprint at the Ashhurst end of the site.
"We’re making excellent progress across the site, and the change in the temporary carpark is a crucial part of the mahi in this area,” Mr Kauri said.
“Anyone wanting to visit Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge will still be able to access it on foot via the old carpark area, but they unfortunately won’t be able to park their vehicles there.”
The new carpark location means users need to walk 500 metres and cross Napier Road, with a road crossing and signage installed to ensure this can be done safely.
“There is also limited traffic on this road, with the majority of vehicles being driven by construction staff who are mindful of people crossing at this point.”
This change, which will remain in place until the completion of the road, also means people will no longer be able to access the existing carpark in their vehicle to view construction activities.
“We appreciate the continued interest people have in our site and we apologise for any inconvenience these changes may cause. We do encourage people to visit the project’s visitor centre on Napier Road, which has updated information, pictures and video of the project, including a real-time web camera at Parahaki Bridge.”
Mr Kauri says the project team will be constructing a new permanent carparking area at the western end of Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge.
“The new area will be named the Western Gateway Park and it will be a fantastic resource for people visiting this area, as it includes ample parking, picnic areas, amenities and viewing points.”
The Visitor Centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (excluding public holidays). Alternatively, people can catch up on construction progress by visiting our website:
He Tirohanga Whānui – project overview
Walking track carpark map
Te Ahu a Turanga is an 11.5km highway being built between Ashhurst and Woodville to replace State Highway 3 through the Gorge, which was permanently closed in 2017 due to rockfalls.
