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The opening of Te Ara Tupua, the shared path linking Ngā Ūranga (Ngauranga) and Honiana Te Puni Reserve in Petone, effectively completes the Great Harbour Way around Wellington Harbour.

“Who would have thought we would reach this day?” said Graeme Hall, chair of the Great Harbour Way trustees. “Over 20 years, the vision of a shared walking and cycling path around the 70km perimeter of our beautiful harbour has become a reality.  The gap has been closed — Petone joined to Ngā Ūranga in a manner that is stylish, expansive and comprehensive.  This is a day of celebration for everyone involved in Te Ara Tupua and Te Aranui o Pōneke, the Māori name for the Great Harbour Way gifted by Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika."

The opening of Te Ara Tupua follows last month’s opening of Tupua Horo Nuku, the 4.4km shared path around Wellington’s Eastern Bays.  With the Ākau Tangi Evans Bay shared walking and cycling path now in its final stage, it is already possible to bike or walk on shared paths all the way from the Miramar Cutting to Eastbourne without having to contend with traffic.

“This is a once-in-a-generation achievement. It is a world-class urban walking and cycling route,” Hall said.  He called on regional leaders to follow the example of Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Taupō, which have successfully used walking and cycling trails to boost local economies.  “A huge amount has been invested in creating the Great Harbour Way. Our leaders now need to grasp the economic, tourism and recreation opportunities it presents.”