Old coalmining town Blackball is in for a boost, with new public toilets, work to fill in the open drains along the main road, and the first 'Great Walk' developed in New Zealand in over 20 years.
The Grey District Council has agreed to set aside $100,000 for toilets, and the same again for fixing the drainage problem.
There are also plans for a tree-lined avenue leading into the town.
The work is part of efforts to get Blackball ready for the new $10 million Paparoa Track 'great walk' linking Blackball with Punakaiki.
Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn said he thought Blackball should become a hub for the walk, running shuttle buses to the starting point.
"We are making a major push and working towards making sure Blackball capitalises on the track," Mr Kokshoorn said.
The Blackball Residents' Association has consulted over the need for public toilets, most people preferring a central site at the skatepark.
In a submission to the council the residents' group said replacing the open drains with culverts was "a very necessary first stage in enhancing the visual appeal and safety for visitors and residents alike".
Another idea is to plant memorial trees to commemorate the Pike River 29, to form an attractive avenue into the town.
The Paparoa Track will have a side track leading to the Pike River Mine to be called the Pike 29 Memorial Track.
Construction of the walk is due to start later this year, and it is expected to open at the end of 2018.
The Department of Conservation projects up to 2500 walkers a year, and 1000 mountainbikers. The walk will also host two organised sporting or other competitive events a year.
