Butter Barques and Gum Trail Hero

Butter Barques and Gum Trail opens

Dargaville residents have rejuvenated their Historic River Walk, now called the Butter Barques and Gum Trail. The trail opened last month officially, partly with the help of the Walking Access Commission’s Enhanced Access Fund.

Kaipara Mayor, Dr Jason Smith cut the ribbon to open the walk next to the gum diggers statue in Hokianga Road.

Local Regional Field Advisor John Gardiner was at the launch. He says the weather was initially unkind but, nevertheless, a good crowd gathered for the speeches and ribbon cutting.

After John Gardiner and Jason Smith spoke to the crowd everyone received a new brochure map and walked the trail.  The walk follows information boards at historical sites at Mangawhare. It follows River Road and the Park Road stairway to Pou Tu Te Rangi Harding Park.

There were a dozen or so stops along the way to view the historic sites and the accompanying well designed interpretative signage.

John Gardiner says it was the culmination of a successful project.

“It will doubtless receive high interest and use in the future.”

The heritage trail is part of the Amber Threads Tales and Trails project builds on the Historic River Walk built in 2000.

Dargaville Community Development Board business manager, Sue Curtis told the Kaipara Lifestyler she was grateful for the creative help on the project.

“Thanks to Kaipara District Council, Foundation North and Walking Access New Zealand for providing the funding to bring this project to fruition.”

Kaipara Mayor, Dr Jason Smith cut the ribbon to open the walk

the gum diggers statue in Hokianga Road

Butter Barques and Gum Trail

Wai-iti Capsize