The Waikato District Connectivity Strategy is a key piece of work that will provide strategic direction for the development of trails over the next 5 years. Replacing the existing Trails Strategy 2016, the Connectivity Strategy will also provide direction for decision making, development and management of our trails including tasks such as investment.

Trails within our district tend to sit under one of the following categories:

  • Walking paths
  • Off-road trails
  • Multi-use tracks
  • Cycle and Mountain Biking Trails
  • Bridle/Horse Riding Trails

So far, we have engaged with targeted stakeholders to capture new potential trails. These have been captured in a new online spatial mapping platform. You can access these maps here.

The updated Connectivity Strategy will provide a long-term plan to achieve Council’s vision of creating a liveable, thriving, and connected communities through connectivity, meeting community aspirations and enhancing access to natural and cultural features. The approach of the draft Connectivity Strategy is to be more relevant, and action orientated than the previous trails strategy document.

This document will:·

  • Inform communities, iwi, hapu, developers, and local authorities to help deliver on WDC’s goals and actions for connectivity.
  • Build on the current identified trails data set out in the trails strategy and move data for potential trails to an online spatial map.
  • Guide Council staff on Connectivity goals and objectives that should be prioritised within existing budgets and resourcing, as well as project and activities that should be considered for funding through the development of Council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP)

Walking, cycling and horse riding can benefits individuals’ overall well-being, and can provide opportunities to explore and play. At a local level, this Strategy helps give life to and implement the relevant initiatives identified by the district’s various communities through Blueprints and Structure Plans. The Draft Strategy has been developed with input from key stakeholders.