This is the first section that was opened to the public in May 2006. The Trail is on public land managed by the Department of Conservation. The area is also pursuant to a unique Management Plan adminstered by the Te Waihora Management Board (Department of Conservation and Ngai Tahu).
Most of this section of the Trail runs alongside Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere), where the railway embankment is raised above the lake and adjoining wetlands, affording magnificent views of the surroundings and the prolific birdlife.
The trail passes the Kaituna Quarry Reserve, the Kaituna Lagoon and the Kaitorete Spit, the largest landform of its type in New Zealand.
There is significant natural, cultural and historical interest along this section of the route. Kaituna Valley and Kaituna Lagoon are of particular importance to many Canterbury Papatipu Runanga.
Seven new bridges have been built to replace the original bridges that were removed. The historic bridge piles and abutments have been preserved.
The old rail corridor has been fenced (through the Sustainable Management Fund) to encourage the regeneration of native wetland vegetation and association wildlife. Previously the area was widely grazed by cattle which prevented any regeneration to occur. With only sheep grazing the Trail, native species should regenerate. Sheep grazing helps to manage introduced grasses.
The original Motukarara station was restored and relocated on to the trail at the Fiddlers Road entrance by the Lincoln Rotary Club, who were also responsible for landscaping the Station area. A toilet is being installed and should be available soon.
A new car park has been built and landscaped at the Ataahua Reserve (Kaituna Quarry) by the Hornby Rotary Club. The car park is accessed directly from State Highway 75. There is a new toilet at the Kaituna Quarry.
|
