Te Ara Tupua: Ngā Ūranga to Pito-One

We’re improving transport resilience and shaping the future of active transport in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington with Te Ara Tupua – a walking and cycling link between the capital and Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.

The Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One section of Te Ara Tupua is a NZTA Waka Kotahi project being delivered in partnership with iwi mana whenua partners Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Te Ara Tupua Alliance was established to design and build the project, which includes NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, HEB Construction, Downer NZ, and Tonkin + Taylor.

The Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One section is a 4.5 km, 5-metre-wide shared path along the seaward side of the Hutt Valley Railway. It’s designed to get people moving on ther bikes, scooters, and on foot, while improving coastal resilience along this vital transport link

We are constructing an architecturally designed shared user bridge over the rail lines at Ngā Ūranga. Other works include six ūranga (landings), 2.7 km of sloping coastal revetment, 600 metres of seawalls, and the installation of 6,800 interlocking concrete blocks. These Dutch- design “XBlocs” have greatly reduced the amount of reclamation required through steeper seawalls. We’re also created two offshore bird habitats, and installed 54 artificial reef units, to support marine biodiversity.

To keep passengers safe during construction near the rail corridor, we use an innovative “digital shield” system, which prevents excavators from entering the rail corridor. We’ve also helped deliver a facility for local water ski and rowing clubs on iwi-owned land, designed in close collaboration with iwi and the community.

Te Ara Tupua is more than a transport link – it’s a cultural and environmental connection between communities, whenua, and moana.