Years of persistence, fundraising and hard work have paid off again for the Thames Mountain Bike Club, with another major stage of the Karaka Trail upgrade now complete.
This latest section builds on work finished in May, 2022, when the lower portion of the trail up to the Red Cliffs received a significant overhaul.
Club president Jacob Tyrrell-Baxter said the newly completed work focused on the track from the intersection of the Karaka and Waiotahi Trails back toward the Red Cliffs. While the original goal was to upgrade the full 1.4km section of the trail, funding constraints meant the club could only complete 1.1km, leaving just 300 metres still to be improved. With $40,000 raised towards a required $59,000 budget, the club made the decision to push ahead rather than delay the project further.
The result is a professionally benched trail that replaces narrow, eroded sections and large, overgrown historic slips that had developed over time.
The work was carried out by Walkway Solutions, which also completed previous stages of the project. Although construction was scheduled for peak summer, the contractors were met with torrential rain. Despite the setbacks, the majority of the planned work was successfully completed. The improved section now offers a safer, more sustainable and more enjoyable experience for all users – from mountain bikers to walkers and hikers – and will stand up far better to future weather events, the club said.
The club secured $5000 from the Trillian Trust, $10,000 from Grassroots Trust and $25,000 from We Care Trust for the work.
“The club extends its sincere thanks to these organisations for their vital support.”
The upgrade also benefitted the club’s dedicated conservation volunteers. Trappers walk the Waiotahi-Karaka loop every week checking on 75 pest control traps, and the improved surface and safer alignment will make their regular access significantly easier and safer.
Jacob said the milestone reflected the determination of a small but passionate community group.
“This project has been more than 10 years in the making, and every section we complete is a huge step forward for our wider community. It’s not just about mountain biking – it’s about building a shared-use trail that walkers, riders and conservation volunteers can all benefit from.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the funders who backed us, especially in a tough funding climate. Without that support, none of this would be possible.”
“The Karaka Trail upgrade represents years of volunteer effort, planning and community backing. With each stage finished, the Thames community moves closer to a safer, more resilient and future-proofed trail network that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come.”
