Local support sought for planned new leisure trails

THE Queenstown Trails Trust has applied for resource consent for two major extensions to its network of cycling and walking trails, and is calling on residents to support the project.

If successful, the $8 million proposal will add about 20km to the trust’s 130kmplus network in the Wakatipu Basin, and connects Arthurs Point, Tucker Beach and Arrowtown.

Trust chief executive Mark Williams said he was aiming to have consent for the trails and a contractor ready to start construction by next summer, thereby giving the resort a muchneeded economic shot in the arm.

However, first, there would be public consultation followed by an independent commissioners’ hearing, and he wanted locals to get involved.

The Covid19 lockdown had given many residents a new appreciation for the trails, while others had discovered them for the first time, Mr Williams said.

Some trail counts recorded over the past few weeks had been up 250% on usual, which was ‘‘incredible’’ given only locals were riding them at the moment.

‘‘They are being recognised as a huge asset for helping a lot of people get through this crisis, just by getting out the door and being able to recreate.’’

The new routes would bring the Queenstown Trail into a part of the basin that was not well connected to the network at present.

In particular, they would ‘‘connect the loop’’ between Arthurs Point and Frankton, via Tucker Beach.

Although a portion of the project’s funding was conditional, it was finalised last year, and local money was matched by the Government’s New Zealand Cycle Trail fund.

Mr Williams said it was important to note some easements across private property had yet to be finalised.

‘‘We need to be understanding that it’s everybody’s right to either approve or deny access, but we’re very thankful for the support we’ve had from a huge number of landowners.’’

The proposed new sections included one through the Shotover River gorge that would be ‘‘one of the most stunning trails in New Zealand’’.

Now accessible only by jetboat, it would be accessed by a new 80mlong suspension bridge, and the trail would pass through a 116mlong old gold mining tunnel.