Proposed ‘Gateway’ trail along Cardrona River
In anticipation of a cycle trail along the Clutha River linking Wānaka and Cromwell, the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCTT) is preparing a ‘gateway’ trail to Wānaka.
Trust chairman David Howard said this week the trust plans to develop a new four-kilometre track along the Cardrona River from The Hook upstream to the one-lane Ballantyne Rd bridge.
It would connect to the previously existing but now washed out track which connects the Clutha to Hook.
The track would be the initial stage of a track which will eventually link the Clutha River to The Larches on Cardrona Valley Road, via the Cardrona riverbed.
David said it would include the short section linking the Clutha River track to SH6 and the entrance to Wānaka.
He said the track would be “the start or finish of the long-discussed recreation track further up the Cardrona River, eventually providing access for walkers and cyclists to the start of the Department of Conservation's Little Criffel Track leading to the top of the Pisa Range”.
The Trust this month applied to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) for resource consent for the ‘gateway’ trail - from Hook to Ballantyne Road, and UCTT member John Wellington said he was delighted after many years of talk and many months of planning it had reached this point.
“It's fantastic to finally begin the process,” John said.
Some parts of the track towards Little Criffel already exist but about 6.35km of new track would need to be formed. IMAGE: Supplied
David said the lower part of the river margin was ''a bit shabby'' with low ecological values according to the UCTT's ecological survey.
“'It has the potential to be so much more. Creating the track will be a great way to improve recreation and conservation opportunities in the Upper Clutha's outdoor spaces.”
Some parts of the track towards Little Criffel already exist but about 6.35km of new track would need to be formed.
It would cross river terraces, follow 4WD tracks in places, pass by indigenous vegetation, and pass through areas of lupins, willows, and poplars.
The track would be at a distance from the river to avoid users damaging the river environment.
Prior to construction, an ecologist would determine the track's final alignment.
It is expected the new track would have a similar surface to the existing track along Lake Dunstan at Pisa Moorings.
John said affected landowners, government agencies, and the trust had come together to formulate the application.
However, while he was aware of enthusiasm in some quarters for the track to eventually continue right through to Cardrona, he said any such plans for a track beyond Little Criffel would only be at the invitation of the local Cardrona community and landowners.
The trust's application is seeking a restricted discretionary activity resource consent and John said he hoped to hear from QLDC by October.
The initial section of track to Ballantyne Rd would cost $180,000 and fund raising can begin once consent is granted.
