The KC Trail - To Gain Community, Local, and Government Support for -
An Environmentally Friendly 'Tourist Trail'
between Karamea and Collingwood, New Zealand.
OUR AIM:
THE KC TRAIL PROPOSAL:
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A 75 kilometre inland/coastal track between Karamea (West Coast), and Collingwood (Golden Bay), NZ.
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Suitable for walking, biking, and 4WD type vehicles (not suitable for 2WD).
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Tolled access (for vehicles) which will cover maintenance and fund conservation work in the area.
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Proposed use of existing tracks during establishment.
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Ideally a low cost gravel road which uses prefab bridging etc, without the use of explosives. Ecology will be the main priority when establishing the trail.
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Open during daylight hours only to protect local fauna. Locked boom gates at either end at night.
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Reduced speed limit is recommended.
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A secondary road for Emergency Services between the two regions (as these areas are currently both only one road in/out).
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Designed to promote tourism and connect the two regions, increasing economic activity in both areas.
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We envisage the rules to be much the same as a National Park's by-laws. A few examples are -
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No animals/pets are allowed along the trail.
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No fires at to be lit along the trail.
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All rubbish must be removed.
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No hunting is allowed.
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Proposed lay-bys and rest areas along the way to to give access to points of interest.
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An amazing and unique New Zealand experience for both locals and tourists alike.
THE PROPOSED KC TRAIL MAP:
THE STORY SO FAR:
We have spent many hours speaking with local residents and businesses in both the Karamea and Collingwood areas, with much support generated for the KC Trail.
The idea came about from Raymond's father who for many years had talked about having this trail constructed. "My father was a local business man who was passionate about opening up the West Coast to Golden Bay. He had seen the social and economic impact that the lower West Coast suffered before a road was built (between Haast and Wanaka) a number of years ago. Once he moved to Nelson he could see the same issue at the top of the south as well. He talked about this idea for as long as I can remember."
As a property owner in Westport (who lives in Nelson) I have been able to see the impact a one way road has on this area and have first handed seen the issues impacting both the West Coast and Tasman areas. In particular the numerous road closures we are still seeing due to slips on the Takaka Hill road, and how that has cut off the Golden Bay area over the last couple of years (and before). Another vehicle access option between these two areas would be a huge economic, social, and safety improvement for both local and extended communities.
THE NEXT STEP:
A Government Petition for the KC Trail is the next step in which we are seeking signatures from all members of the public, local businesses, and to sign to show support and gain further momentum to get this over the line. We are seeking approval and funding for construction to get underway as soon as able.
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Public meetings are to be held in both Karamea and Collingwood, for all interested parties to come along and hear the proposal in person, and to ask any questions, and/or put your views forward.
We will inviting to these meetings The Honorable Damien O'Connor (NZ Labour Party's MP for West Coast-Tasman) along with The Mayor for Buller Jamie Cleine, and The Mayor for Tasman Tim King.
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Come along to the public meetings -
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KARAMEA - TUESDAY JUNE 23rd 2020, 7pm at the KARAMEA RSA HALL
COLLINGWOOD - TUESDAY JUNE 30th, (MEETING POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)
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Sign the Petition Here : Once the public meetings are held the petition will be launched
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CONTACT US:
For any enquiries or to show your support, please contact us using the submission form below
or else email us at kctrail@hotmail.com