Damage to unopened Kawarau Gorge Trail

Kawarau Gorge Trail remains on schedule for an early 2026 opening but people using it before then are damaging its surface.

That's the message from Southern Lakes Trails, who say contractors are working through snowy conditions to bring complete the landmark trail project, which is on budget.

Recent incidents of people taking motorised vehicles onto sections of the finished track have caused avoidable damage to the surface.

The materials being used require time to settle and bed in, so premature use can undo compacting work, contaminate the base, and push timelines and costs in the wrong direction.

“Our trails are designed for bikes and feet—not motorised vehicles or hooves,” Southern Lakes Trails chief executive Janeen Wood says.

“Every time someone rides a motorbike or takes a vehicle onto fresh surface, our contractor has to redo work that has already been paid for. Please help us protect the investment and get this trail open on time.”

The 32-kilometre stretch of trail links the Gibbston Valley to Bannockburn, near Cromwell, with a route that takes it around the Nevis Bluff and through the gorge.

It will connect the four Great Rides in the Otago region, creating 530km of continuous trail network across Queenstown, Central Otago and connecting through to Waihola near Dunedin.

Construction began last summer.

The contractor echoes Wood's plea: “It’s gutting for the team to have to go back and repair work we have already completed. Please respect the signs and wait for the official opening early next year.”

The Trust has clear signage in place and asks all users to avoid fenced or taped areas, obey “Track Closed” notices, and use alternative open trails in the region until this is fully complete.

Cooperation now will ensure a safer, smoother riding and walking experience for everyone when the ribbon is cut.

To learn more or support the Trust’s work, visit southernlakestrails.nz.