The Dunedin Tracks Network Trust was granted funding of $145,000 for an off-road pathway linking Waitati township to Mopanui Rd and the Orokonui Ecosanctuary was received from local charitable trusts last month.
The trust was granted $105,000 from the Otago Community Trust and $40,000 from the AAW Jones Charitable Trust.
The trail will allow cyclists and walkers to ascend 270m off-road from Doctor’s Point Rd to Mopanui Rd.
Construction was started by volunteers earlier this year and is expected to be completed in late 2025.
Project co-ordinator Emily Cooper said they were thrilled to receive the funds.
"We’d like to thank the board members of the trusts for their support of this community-led project.
"Our vision to provide safe, off-road connections for walkers and cyclists between our coastal towns is becoming a reality."
It will consist of grade 2 (easy) and grade 3 (intermediate) parts.
A future off-road section planned from Blueskin Rd down to Port Chalmers will connect to Te Ara Moana, the harbour cycleway, and create a commuter route to Dunedin for Blueskin Bay residents.
Ms Cooper said progress was being made on other sections of the trail.
A preliminary design for a clip-on to the Waikouaiti River rail bridge has been completed and lodged with KiwiRail.
The clip-on forms part of the trail plan for the section from Waikouaiti to Karitane.
"We will now embark on the approvals process so we can apply for resource consent.
"Once we have that we can work to fund it."
— APL
