The Bay of Plenty is set to benefit from ‘outdoor access funding' thanks to a project being undertaken to enhance access on the Waihi Pukehina Estuary Foreshore Walkway.

The Waihi Pukehina Estuary Foreshore Walkway.

The project has received funding through the Walking Access Commission's Enhanced Access Fund.

New Zealand Walking Access Commission CEO Mark Neeson says 18 groups won funding for projects ranging from bridge and track extensions to maps and booklets.

The Pukehina Ratepayers Association will get $10,000 to help fund construction of a boardwalk and bridges on the Waihi Pukehina Foreshore Estuary Walkway, north of Pukehina.

'The estuary walkway is a great asset for locals and visitors and we look forward to its completion so local and visitors alike can enjoy improved access to the area and the recreational activities it supports,” says Mark.

The 2011 round of the Enhanced Access Fund is the second run by the Commission in the exercise of its responsibilities under the Walking Access Act 2008.