TRM’s last blog in 2020 was to explain about Taupo’s proposed transport strategy. TRM’s submission was a repeat of previous applications – to extend the Tongariro River Trail north to Taupo and south to Pillars of Hercules to link up with other tourist bike trails. TRM have been promoting this since 2009 when (1) a video presentation (included previous Mayor Rick Cooper and Taupo MP Louise Upston) was submitted to attract Government funding; (2) the T2T was subject to Council’s T2T feasibility study; (3) described as the top priority and critical for Turangi’s future in the Turangi 2017 economic report; (4) included in Taupo Council’s submission to DOC for the next Great NZ Walk.

At long last someone must have listened and understood! Their report recommendation on Page 8 in the DRAFT TRANSPORT STRATEGY was:

Immediate start to complete the Taupō to Turangi bike trail to link with the Tongariro River Trail and to link that with the Tree Trunk Gorge to Pillars of Hercules trail.“

Wow! So at long last, it is on the priority list. This is more important than ever in 2021 as the main trend at TRM this summer is the huge increase in bikers. Bike shops have sold out of bikes. Biking is the new golf. Accommodation on bike trails has been booked out.

So congratulations to Taupo Transport Strategy planners for their initiative in realising the economic importance of tourist biking – to link up with other trails from other regions beyond Taupo.