New Qtown cycle trail gets green light

From the Queenstown Trails Trust:

"A new cycle and walking trail from Arrowtown to Arthurs Point and on to Tucker Beach has been given the green light by Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Queenstown Trails Trust CEO Mark ‘Willy’ Williams says the granting of a resource consent for the 17.6km trail is a huge win for the area’s trail network.

Trails Trust CEO Mark Williams - work on the new trail section is scheduled to start this summer.

“This trail will offer locals and visitors access to a previously inaccessible part of the Wakatipu Basin – the stunning Shotover Gorge – running along the true left of the Shotover/ Kimi Akau River to a new pedestrian bridge at Tucker Beach.’’

“It will also provide an off-road link from Arrowtown along Malaghans Road – from where it will enable easy access up onto Coronet Peak’s trails – on to Littles Road and through the gorge to Tucker Beach.”

Mr Williams says the trail has been more three years in the planning.

“There’s been a huge amount of work go into planning for this new trail and we’re hugely appreciative of the support from QLDC, DoC, MBIE, private landowners and philanthropists that have played an important role in making this happen.”

Funding for most of the trail has already been secured through MBIE’s NZ Cycle Trails Fund and Central Lakes Trust, but funds to build the Kimi Akau Bridge at Tucker Beach will be raised from within the community.

Queenstown Trails Trust is also working in close partnership with DoC to gain access to adapt an historic mining tunnel below Big Beach, to accommodate the trail.

Mr Williams says this new section of the Queenstown Trail will be a valuable addition to the network.

“We expect it to be very popular with mountain bikers accessing single track, gravel riders looking for a loop, commuters, walkers and runners.”

“I’m delighted to get the go ahead, now let’s get out and build it.”Work on the trail is expected to begin this summer.