The Hauraki Rail Trail – Thames to Waihi
Project name
The Hauraki Rail Trail – Thames to Waihi
Client name
Hauraki District Council
Project location
Thames to Waihi
Timeframe
Completed 2012
Contractor
Walkway Solutions Limited
The Hauraki Rail Trail is part of Ngā Haerenga – New Zealand Cycle Trails. It has attracted a large number of visitors and provided economic benefit to the district. The Hauraki Rail Trail follows the old train embankments between Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Wakino and onto Waihi. The current trail is 67km long and ends at Wakino.
Frame Group designed 50 bridges to cross various sized streams, drainage ditches, and farm trails. These bridges all feature locally sourced and renewable plantation timber throughout their construction. Using locally sourced materials meant we could employ local tradespeople and add value to the community whilst minimising the environmental footprint of the project.
The practical and efficient bridge designs were recognised by the NZ Timber Design Society at its annual awards. Frame Group was the winner of the 2012 Timber Design Sustainability Award for its work on The Hauraki Rail Trail.
