Funding Stage 1
This 13km section from Waimate to Waihao Forks will be a world-class stand-alone trail that will be part of the 67km loop.
Starting on the Old Waimate Branch Railway it meanders through the Waimate gorge and alongside the Studholme Bush Scenic Reserve. It passes by Kapua wetland, home to the largest find of moa bones in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Studholme Bush Reserve is home to endemic native birdlife including korimako (bellbird), tui, kereru (native wood pigeon), piwakawaka (fantail), and titipounamu (rifleman). It is hoped in time native species like pekapeka (bats), kakariki and kaka (parrots) and tuatara will be re-introduced.
The trail continues down the railway leading to spectacular limestone rocks above the Waihao River then winds down a gentle hill above farmlands to rejoin the railway line at the Waihao Forks Hotel.
Walkers, runners and cyclists will enjoy incredible views of Waihao Downs and inland to the Hunters Hills.
Donations and sponsorship
The cost of Stage 1 is approximately $2 million. Every donation is a step closer to making the trail a reality!
We’ve completed the detailed design for Stage 1 and will start construction once funding is secured.
The Waimate Trail has strong community support and will be a fantastic asset for our region.
We’re working with key project partners, including Waimate District Council, landowners, Te Runanga O Waihao, Department of Conservation and NZ Transport Agency.
We’re busy applying for funding but we invite businesses and the community to help us reach this target.
Scroll down to donate online or become a trail sponsor.
MAKE A DONATION
Walk it. Bike it. Love it. Support it!
Please support the development of the trail by donating today.
As a registered charity we rely upon funding and donations to build The Waimate Trail.
You can donate any amount online by pressing the button below or donate directly into our bank account and save us the 5.7% credit card fee.
Every dollar counts!
Bank Account Name: Pro-Ject Waimate Inc
Bank Account No: 02-0892-0079980-000
If you, or your business, want to donate over $5000, download the Donation and Sponsorship Information brochure and learn more about the benefits of trail sponsorship.
Learn more
To learn more about the project, the trail and how you can help our community by contributing to its construction, download the brochures below.
Fundraising document - contains full information on the trail, the project, and trail and sponsorship benefits - PDF 1.3MB
Fundraising brochure - reduced version of the full document - PDF 859KB
Get in touch
For further information or to get a copy of the full Sponsorship Brochure, please contact:
Jo Sutherland - phone 022 088 7730, or send an email.
W2G Office - phone 020 421 0206, or send an email.