Nash opens Dunstan trail and pledges more funding

A massive network of cycle and walking tracks across Central Otago is expanding with the opening of a 58km trail and a

$6.7 million government funding boost. Tourism Minister Stuart Nash officially opened the $7m Lake Dunstan trail, between Cromwell and Clyde, yesterday.

He also announced new funding of

$6.745m for the Queenstown trails realignment project from Nga¯ Haerenga, the NZ Cycle Trails Fund.

Cycle tourism and cycle trails had strong support throughout the country, Nash said.

Domestic and international visitors would use the tracks and there would be associated activity such as construction and maintenance of the trails, accommodation, cafe´ s, retail and transport services.

‘‘This has breathed new life into jobs, businesses and the economic recovery in our visitor destinations,’’ he said.

The new Dunstan trail is the first stage of a 122km project linking Queenstown, Wa¯naka, Cromwell, Alexandra and Roxburgh. It is also part of a planned 500km trail that will eventually link Queenstown to Dunedin.

Nash said its opening signalled the next chapter in the economic development of the Cromwell Gorge after 160 years of pounamu trails, goldmining, sheepfarming, orchards, hydro electricity and wine.

‘‘The foresight of people like [trust patron] Sir Eion Edgar and many others means that not only does the community have a fantastic new infrastructural asset to draw visitors to the region, but locals get to enjoy the recreational benefits as well.’’

Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust chairman Stephen Jeffery said it was a fantastic trail along the banks of Lake Dunstan.

‘‘It would be hard to build a better trail,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s got isolation, spectacular geology and views, amazing structures and a kilometre-long schist rock wall.’’

The opening was well behind schedule because of delays caused by Covid-19 and additional rock removal.

Many construction companies had been involved and endless hours of volunteer work, Jeffery said.

It linked in with the Central Otago Rail Trail and Roxburgh Gorge Trail, which hosted record numbers of riders last summer as thousands of New Zealanders ventured out on their bikes.

Work was already under way on a trail from Cromwell to Queenstown through the Kawarau Gorge, he said. ‘‘When we get this done you could get off a plane in Queenstown, cycle to Dunedin and get on a plane there.’’

The next step would be a trail from Cromwell to Wa¯ naka, via Luggate.

The funding boost for the Queenstown area would pay for trails linking Arrowtown to Arthurs Point and Tuckers Beach, and a new trail from Jacks Point to Gibbston Valley.