Whanganui’s Urban Shared Pathways

Council has given the green light for this exciting project to create two more high quality urban shared pathways. These pathways will:

• improve urban links, helping us actively and safely connect with each other and our schools, workplaces, town centre and recreational areas;
• add vibrancy with innovative design re ecting our culture and stories;
• be fun, lively spaces to visit, encouraging use by a diverse range of people;
• enhance existing natural landscape features, especially along the river front and possibly the port area.

We really want your input to make the most of this great opportunity and are seeking your feedback over the next month.

Our team is working on designs and wants your help to define some of the priorities and decide between design options around intersections, removing parking and maybe trees to reallocate road space, prior to finalising the design of each pathway.

You don’t have to be an avid walker, runner or cyclist to enjoy these facilities. These pathways and adjacent areas will be places for you to stop, enjoy and connect with the River or town centre, just as much as they will encourage people to travel along each pathway.
Take a Virual Tour Along the Proposed Pathways

City to North Mole Shared Pathway

This 3m wide sealed path/boardwalk goes from Whanganui City Bridge to the North Mole, largely upgrading the existing pathway.

The Whanganui River is integral to the identity of our community. This pathway celebrates our River culture and heritage, creating a magnificent riverside trail that connects the town centre to the Tasman Sea and an iconic end point for the Mountain to Sea national cycle trail.

We have ideas to improve the area with parks, wetlands, seating, artwork and signage to create more vibrant exciting spaces along the River, and establishing this pathway as a ‘must see’ feature of Whanganui for visitors.

We are investigating ways to improve use of the port area too. Options include bringing the pathway along the river front between Wharf and Short streets. Another option would be to divert from the waterfront through Kirk and Morrison streets to Short Street. Both options will give people better access to the port area for recreational use.

Te Tuaiwi Shared Pathway

This 3m wide sealed path will provide a safe route across the Whanganui City Bridge, through town and past some of our central schools. It also connects with many of our existing pathways through town and will give our children a safer route to school while enabling people visiting or working in town to more easily and safely commute on foot, by bike, scootering, skating or with mobility aids.

The pathway design can include art, navigational signage and physical improvements to re ect our local stories and history, and add vibrancy to our town centre by enhancing amenity and travel options, making the route an attractive feature of Whanganui.