The Coastal Connection: Waitati to Mopanui Road Opens

Funding Stories

Section 5a of the Coastal Connection — linking Waitati to Mopanui Road — has officially opened. In true Ōtepoti summer fashion the skies opened up, but the rain didn’t keep the people away. With around 100 people attending, Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker cut the ribbon at the Mopanui Road end.

The Dunedin Tracks Network Trust was established in August 2022 with the aim of developing an integrated tracks strategy for Ōtepoti/Dunedin, including shared trails connecting to significant regional trails.

This section runs from Doctor's Point Road to Mopanui Road beside the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. The Grade 2 trail climbs to 300 metres above sea level with views over Blueskin Bay, the coastline and surrounding hills. Construction began in August 2024, following resource consent from Dunedin City Council and the generosity of Waitati landowners Graeme and Marie Bennett, who allowed the trail to pass through their property. Trees were planted along the route with donations from Blueskin Nurseries and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki.

Project co-ordinator Emily Cooper noted at the opening that completing this section shows the project is gaining momentum. Construction of the next section, between Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Purakaunui Road, is hoped to begin later in 2026, with Port Chalmers to follow. The full trail will eventually connect Waikouaiti with Te Aka-Ōtākou, the harbour cycleway, and form part of a much longer route between Ōamaru and Waihola, linking the Alps 2 Ocean and Clutha Gold cycle trails.

Around 5,640 residents live along the north coast and stand to benefit from the completed trail, which aims to provide a safe off-road alternative to cycling on the state highway for everyday journeys — to school, work, the library, or simply to get outdoors.

Otago Community Trust was pleased to grant $105,000 toward this section of the project.