However, cyclists – and students - haven't been able to ride the full loop that connects Puketapu and Taradale after Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed stopbanks,  trails either side and the Puketapu bridge almost three years ago.  

"The physical divide between either side of the Puketapu community caused disruption and longer journeys for students going to school and people going about their everyday lives – it meant we had to temporarily close the beautiful Puketapu Loop,” says Hawke’s Bay Trails trail manager Vicki Butterworth.  

The final rebuild of the trails on the true right of the river and the opening of the new Moteo-Puketapu bridge across the Tūtaekurī River in October has changed all that – it has reconnected the loop, school and the community, allowing visitors and locals alike to once again bike the loop.  

In fact, many of Puketapu School’s 250 students have started to ride their bikes to school along the trail, says sports co-ordinator Tim Bedingfield (pictured below).

“As a keen mountain biker who regularly uses the Hawke’s Bay Trails network, I’ve noticed a fantastic shift in how many of our students are getting out on their bikes,” he says. 

“Before the trail reopened, our bike stand would only have a couple of bikes each day. Now it’s completely full, and we may need to look at increasing the number of stands to keep up with the growing demand.” 

Many year 7-8 students are also riding from school along the trail to the dirt jumps at Pettigrew/Green Arena after school, says Tim. 

“It’s a safe option for kids to get places and get out exploring. They absolutely love it, and it’s wonderful to see them connecting with nature, enjoying the trails, and building their fitness and confidence on their bikes.” 

The loop’s reopening has prompted year six student Marcus Roderick to start biking to school. 

He rides a total of 13km to school and home again two to three times a week along the trail, which his Mum says is safe and good for his fitness. 

Marcus says the journey is good for his training and his goal to win cycle races for the Ramblers Cycle Club he belongs to.

“It gives me extra training and at the same time it’s relaxing because of nature and birds,” says the 11-year-old. 

“The trail is nice and smooth and there are no cars but lots of people.” 

The Hawke’s Bay Trails network of almost 200km provides an abundance of coastal, cross-country and riverside pathways.  

The new bridge that is part of the Puketapu Loop features two lanes and a shared cycle and walking path. 

Built three metres higher than the original, with piles reaching 41 metres deep, it is designed with three columns instead of five to reduce debris build-up.  

The bridge is engineered to be more durable, carry heavier loads, and resist higher-intensity earthquakes. 

Part of the $800 million transport recovery programme across the Hastings district, the new bridge, valued at $28 million, and opened by Hastings District Council was fully funded by Central Government’s National Infrastructure Funding and Financing programme. 

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