The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is offering the public a ‘sneak peek' of Waihi Beach's newest walking track this summer.

The council is developing a 1.5km bush walk they hope will become one of the must-do walks in Waihi Beach.

It will also form part of a network of trails for walking and cycling in the coming years.

Although work will not completed until 2017, the public will be allowed in during the break in the construction over the holidays.

Entry and car parking is at the end of Pacific Road, with only walking permitted at this stage.

The walk is on a gravel trail, rising to 160 metres. The trip out to the lookout and back is expected to take 90 minutes.

The council cautions the trail is not fully complete with steps and signage, so care is advised. There are also no toilets or drinking water on the track.

Work on the track will resume January 16, 2017, when a lookout platform, separate cycle trails, steps, bridges, and an interpretation of cultural and historic mining history will be added.