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Home / New Zealand

Paparoa memorial track to Pike River miners opens to public

RNZ
1 Dec, 2019 01:01 AMQuick Read

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Focus Live Earlier: 'Lots of tears' new pictures as Pike river families enter mine drift
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      By RNZ

      The Paparoa Track on the West Coast has opened to the public on Sunday morning with hundreds expected across it during the day.

      The country's newest Great Walk had been built at the request of the Pike River families as a tribute to the 29 men who died in the mine, and would eventually include a section to the mine's portal.

      After Saturday's opening ceremony in Blackball, Sunday was the first chance for the public to experience the 55km-long track through a previously inaccessible part of Paparoa National Park.

      Costing $12 million, it stretches between Blackball and Punakaiki and was the first designed for mountain bikers and walkers.

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      A slip near the middle section meant at this stage they would only be able to complete return trips from either end, while repairs were carried out.

      It's anticipated to be fully open just before Christmas.

      Those wanting to experience it will need to get in quick, however. bookings for the two new 20 bunk huts, between now and the end of April, were already close to 80 percent full.

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      The Punakaiki end of the Paparoa Track

      - RNZ

      Discover more

      Opinion

      Andrew Little: Nick Smith's Pike re-entry claim is political mischief

      03 Sep 05:00 PM
      New Zealand

      Pike River Mine tragedy families invited to go underground

      23 Sep 01:50 AM
      New Zealand

      Pike River families to travel into drift

      02 Oct 04:00 PM
      New Zealand

      'We haven't forgotten, we're coming for you': Widows re-enter Pike River mine

      03 Oct 03:56 AM
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