City to Sea Rail Trail – Manawatu

The City to Sea Rail Trail project, led by the Bainesse and District Community Development Trust aims to repurpose the Foxton to Longburn railway line into The City to Sea Rail Trail - Manawatu.

The Trust’s initial reason for establishing the rail trail was to create an off-road route for Bainesse School children to safely walk and cycle to school. The Trust subsequently recognised the social and economic benefits of a broader trail that traversed the old railway line from Longburn on the outskirts of Palmerston North to Himatangi and Foxton. This grade 1-2 trail will eventually be a 31km off-road route allowing commuters, tourists, and recreational users to enjoy some or all of the trail while engaging in the amazing Māori and European story told via storyboards, sculptures and original flora. The plan is for the trail to eventually include a beach ride between Himatangi and Foxton.

The project has been broken into five sections with the current focus on developing Section 1 - connecting State Highway 56 Longburn to the Rangiotu Road intersection, which includes an old stock route running parallel to the railway line. The Bainesse School section of trail is currently in the consenting and funding phase.

The City to Sea Rail Trail hit the Ground Effect Slush Fund up for $1100 to purchase a chain saw and accessories to help move things along during the community working bees. Initial funds to kick things off have been donated by the Manawatu District Council and Pub Charity.

Working bees to date have cleared away blackberry, fennel and trees blocking the trail. The Stock Route at Longburn between SH 56 and Reserve Road is clear and the next step is to properly establish the trail and to repair and install fences along this section.

The trail will be a great way to connect the urban and rural communities with Palmerston North as a hub to set off from.

You can follow along on Facebook, contact the project team at banddcdtrust@gmail.com and contribute via Give-a-Little.