We should have anticipated this. Immediately after the photos were posted on FB to illustrate the town section of the Tongariro River Trail, we received the following from a TRM inmate from West Island. This is something we have been complaining about for several years. There would not be another walking/biking trail that could match the Tongariro River Trail’s (“TRT”) one hundred years of interesting history. Yet there are no tourist information boards apart from DOC’s directional maps. Why? (One regular tourist fisho suggested it was because it is not in Toepaw? We agree…) Tourists love this stuff.
About five years ago TRM offered to contribute $ from book sales towards the design etc. but were advised by DOC there is adequate signage along the TRT. Check out the photos. There is none! Tourists constantly ask who was the Judge? Who was the Admiral? Who was the Major? Who was the Duchess? Why was it called the “Sly Grog Pool”? etc. Each has a fascinating fishy story to add to the Tongariro River folklore.
Every other bike trail in NZ has informative panels that explain the local history with local characters, except the TRT. This is inexcusable! So we share this letter with you…
Hi Ross and Pip,
I thought this might be of interest to you showing what a riverside walk could/should be like. Then again, we are not dealing with the Toepaw Council.
Water Stories and Soundtrail Walk
Be guided by the late Uncle Ricky Cook, Nyangbal Elder, along the Water Stories walk — a cultural and historical journey tracing Ballina’s riverfront. This interpretive trail follows the north break wall, curves around Shaws Bay and continues into Fawcett Park, sharing stories of how water — guung in the Nyangbal language — has shaped Country, community and daily life for thousands of years.
Along the way, 23 contemporary signs reveal the deep connection Nyangbal families hold with this place, alongside insights into the early settlers who arrived in the nineteenth century. Themes of Country, culture, resilience and river life weave through the experience, with Uncle Ricky’s narration offering a lasting cultural legacy.
You can enjoy Water Stories in two ways.
Walk the full 4.5km signposted trail between Fawcett Park and the Marine Rescue Tower, taking in river views and story points at your own pace.
Or immerse yourself in the Water Stories Soundtrail, a geo-located audio experience that adds a deeper layer of storytelling. Simply scan the QR codes along the route or download the Soundtrails app. The audio-guided walk follows a shorter 1.4km journey from the Marine Rescue Tower to Pioneer Memorial Park, automatically playing each story as you enter its zone.
Water Stories invites locals and visitors alike to listen, reflect and connect with the river and its layered histories.
