1 min read
Tom Woodward and his crew spent three years toiling in often extreme conditions to construct the Pike29 Memorial Track as part of the newly minted DOC Paparoa Track. He has captured the story in a ripping short film that recently picked up a gong at the NZ Mountain Film Festival.
Much care was taken in the track design and build to minimise impact on the flora and terrain. The planned line was constantly tweaked to avoid unnecessary tree felling, while shrubs and saplings were removed from either side of the track ahead of Milty Coultas and his digger. They were then replanted once the track was formed. The result is a magnificent trail winding up through the forest from the Pike River Mine to the Moonlight Tops.
Note the Pike29 Track is not yet open, but the Paparoa Track is all on - although currently subject to some restrictions. Check out the Ground Effect Xmas Party video and Damian Stones' (somewhat drier) Paparoa Track video for a taste of this brilliant multiday trip.
15 July 2020
What an impressive track and a fantastic job by the team to get it completed. Well done :)
15 July 2020
What a fantastic job you guys did developing this trail, & this video is top quality, Amazing !!
15 July 2020
Brilliant great movie and sounds track,and the track itself looks awesome equal to the old ghost road it is on my to do list now,how great are NZ West Coast track builders 👍🚴😀
15 July 2020
Such a beautiful and interesting video, I’ve watched it several times. Looking forward to getting up there but not in the winter! Impressive resilience and awesome track, thank you builders.
15 July 2020
I wouldn’t normally watch an online video for that long!! … but was such a good commentary & scenery I couldn’t stop watching it. Had no idea the work that goes into track making! Love that it’s dedicated to the Pike 29 too. Awesome job
15 July 2020
Just loved your video. Great filming and editing. Just beautiful clouds shots I have never seen such neat views before. This is a real treasure. The care in making the track was well organised. You should all be so proud of yourselves.
15 July 2020
Can see why it won a gong!
Great score, awesome footage and top job well done in extremes!
Hats off to ya boys:)
15 July 2020
that is so impressive. the filming, the hard work, the weather – just wow !! and well done everyone :-)
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Jeff
15 July 2020
Just awesome in so many ways, a real credit to the dedicated builders. How lucky are we in NZ