Taupō district councillor Tangonui Kingi, who chaired the original Trail Advisory Group, says he was recently approached by a group of residents lobbying for the shorter stage between Turangi and Stump Bay to be progressed as soon as possible with a view to an eventual link to the Motuoapa settlement.
Mr Kingi says the Turangi to Stump Bay section traverses some ecologically important wetland and conservation areas beside the lake which would require approvals, careful planning and solid backing from landowners and the community.
He says while development of the full T2T trail is likely to be some time off, most people recognise the potential economic benefits to Turangi of creating a link between the town and the lake.
"It's about taking one bite at a time. The focus initially is on connecting Turangi with the lake and building on that."
He says the potential for an extended trail connecting with small settlements along the eastern lakeshore is about more than economic benefit.
"It is also about connecting whānau and communities with the lake."
The potential route crosses Māori-owned land along with Conservation Department and Taupō District Council reserves and NZTA road reserve.
When the report was completed last year, key figures in Ngāti Tūwharetoa were tied up with Treaty of Waitangi settlement negotiations, leading to a decision to wait until all parties were in a position to be spoken with before proceeding.
Chairman of Go Tongariro, Wayne Smith, says an economic strategy that will guide future development at the southern end of Lake Taupō is currently in the planning, and if there is sufficient community backing for the trail it could be earmarked as a priority.
Author of the feasibility study, consultant planner Rowan Sapsford, says starting the T2T trail at the Turangi end would present fewer challenges with the flatter terrain, and the lake and wetland environment creating a "compelling route".
"While there would be wider economic benefits for the track to go from Turangi to Motuoapa, getting it as far as Stump Bay will still provide an important social and community link with the lake," he says.
BIKE/WALKING TRAIL
The four sections of the 47km route identified in the 2016 Turangi Taupō Trail Feasibility Assessment:
• Section 1 Five Mile Bay to Hinemaiaia River Bridge 14.3km (approx $2.6 million)
• Section 2 Hinemaiaia River Bridge (Hatepe) to Motutere 9.8km (approx $8.5 million)
• Section 3 Motutere to Motuoapa 11.6km (approx $2.3 million)
• Section 4 Motuoapa to Turangi 11 km (approx $4.7 million)