Coastal walking trail could be city asset

Otago Peninsula Community Board chairman Paul Pope takes a walk at Sandfly Bay, on the peninsula. Mr Pope would like to see better presentation of coastal tracks, showing a clear path from Tomahawk to Portobello. PHOTOS: LINDA ROBERTSON

A clearly signposted coastal walking trail could be an attractive asset for the Otago Peninsula if a small upgrade is pursued, the Dunedin City Council has been told.

Signage for Paradise Track, off Highcliff Rd, could do with an upgrade.

As part of a wide-ranging presentation for the Otago Peninsula Community Board at a city council civic affairs committee meeting this week, board chairman Paul Pope said better use could be made of existing tracks to form "one marketable walk" between Tomahawk and Portobello.

Signage had deteriorated and maintenance of boardwalks and hand rails had slipped, he said.

The city was missing out on an opportunity to provide an attractive experience for locals and visitors, he said.

"It is a wonderful recreational opportunity."

Mr Pope had walked from St Clair to Portobello, about 24km, mostly on beaches and tracks and a little on roads.

"The view down across Broad Bay, back up to Sandfly Bay, is absolutely world-class."

grant.miller@odt.co.nz