6 | Queenstown Trails Trust REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Kim Bowden Winding trails offer fun and connection The route features a refurbished tunnel that once aimed to divert the river for gold mining – a plan that never quite worked out. “People can now descend down on technical mountain bike trails from Coronet Peak, then ride all the way home – or link into the wider backcountry trails, such as the Coronet Loop.” From scenic lakeside paths to rugged alpine loops and now an historic goldmining tunnel, the work of the Queenstown Trails Trust has not only helped shape Queenstown into a world-class cycling destination, it’s also making it easier for locals to ride to work or school, or simply have fun. The Queenstown Trail – part of the national network of Great Rides established in 2009 – was the trust’s flagship project. At the time of opening, it was a 120-kilometre ride winding through Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, and Gibbston. Today, the trail portfolio in and around the Whakatipu Basin has grown to include upwards of 200 kilometres of interconnected paths developed with partners like the Queenstown Lakes District Council, the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club and QEII Mahu Whenua open space covenants, catering to riders of every ability – from elite downhill racers to Sunday vineyard cruisers. It’s no longer just about spectacular rides, though. The trust is working to future-proof the region’s transport choices, ensuring Queenstown’s fast-growing communities have real alternatives to car travel. “Our goal is for everyone in the basin to be able to jump on their bike at home and pedal out and hit a trail within 10 minutes,” trust CEO Mark “Willy” Williams says. The trust’s recent strategy focuses on closing gaps in the trail network, strengthening connections between communities, and creating integrated routes that locals and tourists alike can enjoy at any fitness level. A recent standout project is the 17-kilometre Wharehuanui Trail that runs along the base of Coronet Peak. “The great thing about that one is, not only does it connect Arrowtown to Arthurs Point, it ties into other trails we’ve been working on,” Willy says. “People can now descend down on technical mountain bike trails from Coronet Peak, then ride all the way home – or link into the wider backcountry trails, such as the Coronet Loop.” Arguably the most spectacular new addition is the Shotover Gorge Trail linking the Old Lower Shotover Bridge to Arthurs Point via Tucker Beach and the new Kimi-ākau bridge. The route features a refurbished tunnel that once aimed to divert the river for gold mining – a plan that never quite worked out. “It would be really interesting now to know what those early pioneers think about a tunnel that was effectively a failure and is now a great success,” Willy says. “It didn’t get used for its initial purpose, but the ‘Hugo Tunnel’ has now become a major attraction on the Queenstown network.” And the trust has no plans to slow down. Two major projects on the radar are a much-anticipated active transport link from Jack’s Point to Frankton, and a Queenstown-to-Glenorchy off-road route – one that could eventually help fill a gap in the Te Araroa national walking trail. “An off-road link between Queenstown and Glenorchy would be huge,” Willy says. “It’s early days, but we’re working with the Glenorchy Trails Trust, the Southern Eco Trails Trust, the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club and DOC to start the ball rolling.” Meanwhile, in conjunction with the Southern Lakes Trails Trust, construction is well underway to improve cycle connectivity through the Kawarau Gorge and into Central Otago. This is part of a long-term vision to one day provide a continuous off-road link all the way to Dunedin.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=