Cycle / Walkway
As petrol prices continue to rise and the community is more aware of the environmental impacts of vehicle pollution, walking and cycling are becoming more attractive transport choices for many people.
In Southland we are blessed with fresh air, a mild climate and relatively short distances between home and work, schools and recreation in our urban areas. These factors are combining to encourage more Southlanders to consider walking or cycling as an alternative to driving at times.
Waihopai Walk/Cycleway
The Waihopai Walkway extends from the Waihopai Dam at the northern most point, to the Stead Street bridge at the southernmost point. The track follows the Waihopai River and each year it forms part of the Wai Tri multisport course.
Invercargill City Council maintains the track from Stead Street to the Boardwalk terminating at Bluff Road. The next section, from the Boardwalk south towards Bluff, is part of the Invercargill to Bluff walkway currently under development.
Otepuni Stream Walk/Cycleway
The Otepuni Stream Walkway begins at Clyde Street/Otepuni Stream Bridge and continues eastwards through the Otepuni Gardens to Rockdale Road.
Kingswell Creek Walk/Cycleway
The Kingswell Creek Walkway starts at the Bluff Road/Kew Road intersection and continues through Kew Bush and follows the Kingswell Creek parallel to Ball Street up to the Chesney Street intersection.
Invercargill – Bluff Walk/Cycleway Development (under construction)
Currently, this new section of the walkway links the existing Waihopai Walkway with 1.7kms of track from the Estuary Boardwalk to the Invercargill City Council Oxidation Ponds. Further sections of the walkway will be completed as funding becomes available, until it reaches Bluff.
The estuarine landscape along this particular section of the walkway will be challenging for many cyclists on a windy day.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.