Plan to extend trail network gets consent

THE development of more than 14km of multiuse trail in Te Anau has been given the goahead, with consent officially granted for the extension of the Fiordland Trails Trust trail network.

The trail extension will run from the Upukerora River trail bridge, in Milford Rd, to Boundary Creek, just south of the Fiordland National Park boundary. It is part of the trust’s overall plans to develop a trail all the way to Te Anau Downs.

The development will include the second leg, from the Upukerora River to Sinclair Rd, and the third leg, from Sinclair Rd to Boundary Creek, totalling an additional 14.5km of trail.

The trail will be built to New Zealand cycle standards grade two, similar to the Lake2Lake Trail which runs from Te Anau to Manapouri.

It will be 2.2m wide, allowing for plenty of traffic, whether it be on mountain bike, ebike, prams, wheelchairs or on foot.

Fiordland Trails Trust chairman John Greaney said the trail extension had been a long time coming and the trust was excited about the opportunities it presented for the local community and visitors to the area.

‘‘The trust has spent more than two years in the preparation, development and planning of this trail extension. We’ve spent a lot of time and a lot of money on ecological reports to ensure our impact on the environment is as minimal as possible and consulted with neighbouring properties,’’ he said.

‘‘To get consent and now be able to get the trail development under way is fantastic.

‘‘We’re really excited about this trail extension. It will provide a great out and back trail from the Te Anau Boat harbour to Boundary Creek, as well as provide a convenient multiuse trail for Sinclair Rd and Patience Bay residents into town.

‘‘Alongside the Lake2Lake trail, it just adds to the offroad experience in Te Anau and we can’t wait to see it come to life.’’

Once complete, the trail development would also allow the trust to undertake weed control measures along a 40mwide corridor on leg two of the trail, which aligned with its Jobs for Nature project.

Tender documents for construction of the trail were out now. It was hoped work would start in November and the second leg (Upukerora River to Sinclair Rd) would be completed early next year.