Proposed new mountain bike track in Montgomery Spur Reserve

We’re expanding the track network in Montgomery Spur Reserve, and invite you to comment on our proposal for a new mountain bike track.

Update April 2021

Consultation on the proposed new mountain bike track in Montgomery Spur reserve has now closed. People were able to provide feedback from 19 December 2020 to 5 March 2021.

During this time we heard from 302 individuals and groups. You can view the

Submissions [PDF, 5.7 MB], attachments and project team response to key issues.

Consultation summary [PDF, 65 KB]

You can read the recommendations of the hearing panel (external link)

The recommendations of the hearings panel report will be considered by Council at their 13 May 2021  Meeting.

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Drop-in session postponement

Because of the change in alert levels, we  had to postpone the drop-in session for the proposed new mountain bike track in Montgomery Spur Reserve.

Now that we have returned to Level 1, we can confirm this session is going ahead:

• St Martins Scout Hall, 297 Centaurus Road
• Tuesday 23 February
• 4.30pm to 6pm

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Our proposal 

We’ve been working with mountain bike groups to add to the existing tracks in this very popular Port Hills scenic reserve. We also want to improve safety for everyone, and the new mountain bike track will help separate walkers and runners from mountain bikers across the area, especially on the nearby Rapaki Track.

If approved, we will build the new mountain bike track at the same time as the Kowhai Walking Track, which already has approval.

Description of the new mountain bike track 

The proposed Grade 3 (Intermediate Level) two-way mountain bike track is 1.8 km long, and about 70 cm wide.

The track runs parallel with the lower section of Rapaki Track and connects to the Taramea Mountain Bike Track as shown on the indicative landscape development plan below.

It cuts into the hillside zig zagging up for the first 400 metres. The rest of it will be on mown grass that will wear down to bare earth over time. Track design and construction, including alignment, follows International Mountain Bike Association best practice, supported by a long-term maintenance programme.

How to use the track

Riders can start at either the Rapaki Track or the west side of the Taramea Mountain Bike Track. Those heading up the spur give way to riders coming down, and they can add the Taramea Mountain Bike Track into their ride.

Kowhai Walking Track 

This approved walking track will start a bit further up Rapaki Track from the new mountain bike track. It will take walkers to the top of Montgomery Spur before returning to the Rapaki Track at the entrance to the Taramea Mountain Bike Track.

Resource consent requirements

The lower 300-400 metres of both tracks are within rock fall zones. Once we have approval to go ahead with the new mountain bike track, we will apply for a consent for both tracks.

The decision-making process

The new mountain bike track will be an amendment to the Montgomery Spur Reserve Management Plan, in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977. This requires this community consultation, public hearing if required, and Council decision.