PHOTO: Wellington, New Zealand. FILE
Get ready, Wellington commuters and weekend warriors—New Zealand’s most scenic walking and cycling route is almost complete. And it’s about to transform the way we travel between the capital and the Hutt Valley.
The long-awaited Te Ara Tupua shared path is quickly becoming a reality, with the second and final section of the project now underway. This transformative new infrastructure is set to connect Wellington city to Lower Hutt—creating a seamless, scenic link that could soon be the capital’s most popular active transport route.
🚧 Construction crews are pushing through layers of harbour-side mud as the project surges ahead toward its 2026 completion date.
🛤️ The Missing Piece: Wellington’s Coastal Connector
Wellington and Lower Hutt may only be 15km apart, but until now, safe cycling and walking options between the two hubs have been limited, dangerous, or downright non-existent.
The Te Ara Tupua pathway is about to fix all that.
This coastal corridor will provide:
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🚴♂️ A dedicated cycling route from Wellington CBD to Petone
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🚶♀️ A pedestrian-friendly boardwalk hugging the harbour’s edge
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🌊 Unmatched scenic views across Wellington Harbour
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🚆 Better connections to public transport hubs at both ends
And once finished, it’s not just commuters who’ll benefit—it’s expected to become a major recreational drawcard for walkers, runners, tourists, and families.
🏗️ A $200 Million Vision in the Mud
The second stage of the project—currently under construction—is the crucial “final link” between Ngā Ūranga (near Kaiwharawhara) and Petone.
On a recent tour of the muddy site, reporters and officials waded through what will soon be 5km of shared pathway, complete with a seawall, lighting, landscaping, and cultural markers that celebrate the region’s rich Māori history.
“This isn’t just a bike path,” said a project spokesperson. “It’s about re-connecting people with the harbour, with nature, and with each other.”
The full project has been in the works since 2022 and is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2026, although weather and tidal conditions remain key challenges for the construction crews.
🧭 What Te Ara Tupua Will Mean for Wellington and Lower Hutt
This is more than just concrete and gravel. Here’s why Te Ara Tupua is a game-changer for the region:
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🌍 Carbon Reduction: It promotes low-emission commuting for thousands
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🏃♂️ Public Health: Encourages walking and cycling in a safe environment
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🚌 Transport Integration: Connects effortlessly with buses and trains
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📸 Tourism Boost: Expected to attract thousands for the views alone
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🛡️ Safety Upgrade: Avoids the dangerous narrow shoulders of SH2
The project is part of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s broader commitment to sustainable transport infrastructure that serves both people and planet.
🔮 Looking Ahead: What Happens After 2026?
Once the pathway is complete, the focus will turn to:
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🚧 Maintaining and upgrading intersections and access points
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🌿 Planting and restoring native habitat along the route
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📲 Interactive signage and digital wayfinding tools
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👣 Connecting side paths to nearby communities and schools
Future expansions may even link to other regional networks, making it possible to cycle safely from Wellington CBD all the way to Upper Hutt and beyond.
💬 What Locals Are Saying
Residents from both Wellington and Lower Hutt are already buzzing with excitement:
“I’ve been dreaming of this for years,” said one cyclist. “It means I can finally bike to work without risking my life on the highway.”
“We’ll be walking this every weekend,” added another local. “It’s going to be stunning—and finally gives us access to that beautiful coastline.”