Be Among the First to Cycle Through Historic Spooners Tunnel

Keen cyclists and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to be among the first to experience the journey through Spooners Tunnel at its opening on Sunday 17 April.

The official opening of the tunnel as part of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail will take place at 11am with a blessing, followed by a ride or walk through the tunnel.

Those wishing to participate are invited to park at the Belgrove Tavern on State Highway 6 (Wakefield-Kohatu Highway) and take one of the shuttles that will be on hand to transport people and bikes to the Tapawera end of the tunnel. Shuttles will run from 10am. Please remember the tunnel is not lit, so bike lights and a torch are essential.

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne said the opening of the newest section of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail was an exciting opportunity for people to experience a part of the region’s history.

“Construction on Spooners Tunnel began in 1873 and it was used by trains running between Nelson and Kawatiri up until 1955 when the line was dismantled. Now it will open to cyclists as part of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. I’m sure its history, as well as the experience of riding through nearly 1.4 kilometres of unlit tunnel – the longest tunnel open to cyclists in the southern hemisphere, will be a huge drawcard for locals and visitors.”

Nelson Tasman Cycle Trust chair Gillian Wratt said the tunnel was part of the history of many families still living in the area, whose ancestors were involved with building it and the associated Nelson to Glenhope railway line.

“The Great Taste Trail enables cyclists and walkers to explore our region’s heritage and culture in more detail.

“Thank you to our loyal supporters in helping us realise the vision of building the next stage of the trail. Having Spooners Tunnel open means we are closer to completing the 175km of trail from Nelson that showcases our region’s food, culture, land and way of life.”

Those wishing to participate in the opening ride/walk should check out the Facebook event Spooners Tunnel Opening – Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. Updates about the event will be posted between now and the opening weekend.

Parking is available at: Belgrove Pub and Spooners Tunnel southern end.

A shuttle will be running for people and their bikes from Belgrove Pub 10am to 11am. Shuttles will leave from parking area opposite Belgrove Pub. Availability is limited so please arrive early if you want this option.

The Tunnel will open at 11am and until 1pm will only be available for south to north cyclists (and walkers). After 1pm the Tunnel will be open to cyclists (and walkers) going in both directions. A torch or lights are required by all people entering Spooners Tunnel.

Fulton Hogan will be providing traffic management for the event between 9.30am and 1pm. Please respect road rules and directions from traffic personnel and parking marshals.

ENDS

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