The Trust is dedicated to creating a series of river trails to showcase the native bush, historic landmarks, geological formations and wetlands along the banks of the Waikato River and Waikato Hydro lakes. Mighty River Power believes it is important that these resources are preserved but also made accessible to the people of New Zealand. As a sponsor of the Waikato River Trail Trust, Mighty River Power is helping to encourage people to connect with, and appreciate the Waikato River.
Waikato River Trails were recently announced as one of the seven start-up projects for the Governments National Cycleway initiative. The partnership with this national programme will provide additional funding which will assist the Trust in meeting its vision of 100km of trails by late 2010.
Once completed, Waikato River Trails network of tracks will be one of New Zealand’s longest walks. The trails will potentially join the country’s “great walks” - the Department of Conservation’s list of premier walking tracks. There are currently nine “great walks” in New Zealand, six in the South Island and three in the North Island.
Over 30 kilometres of trails have already been completed and opened to the public. They are proving a popular local attraction, with significant visitor numbers being recorded over the summer months especially. The Trust and Mighty River Power are confident that Waikato River Trails Trust can realise their 100km vision and deliver a unique asset for the Waikato region.