Queenstown Trails Trust looks to build crucial new route
It's a major missing piece of Queenstown's trail network, which would create a safe cycling and walking route for thousands of residents.
Queenstown Trails Trust has confirmed it is considering stepping in to deliver a crucial section of the Southern Corridor Active Transport Route, towards Hanley’s Farm and Jacks Point.
The project, which would cost around $800,000, was originally expected to be deliver by the New Zealand Transport Agency, but little progress has been made.
The Trust, after securing some funding from Central Lakes Trust, is drawing up plans to build the section linking to Kelvin Heights. The trail would run along the base of Peninsula Hill, crossing Peninsula Road and connecting to the existing trail network at Kawarau Falls Bridge.
It has already secured easement agreements from landowners north of the Parkridge development.
“After careful evaluation of alternative options, the board believes this route presents the most feasible solution in terms of timing, cost, and engineering complexity,” QTT chair Mark 'Willy' Williams says.
"This aligns with NZTA’s original assessments for the ‘A7’ link within the Whakatipu Active Transport Network."
The project’s southern connections will be delivered by various developers as part of their existing consent requirements, ultimately linking through to Hanley’s Farm and Jacks Point.
At present, people wanting to cycle or walk into Frankton and Queenstown from those communities have to brave the high-speed State Highway 6, or navigate a steep and technical trail around the lakeside.
QTT is exploring multiple funding sources and evaluating the need for a community fundraising campaign before finalising any delivery commitments.
“The successful Central Lakes Trust funding application provides an important foundation,” Williams says.
“However, while we understand the urgent need for this active transport link to serve southern corridor communities, we must ensure we have sufficient resources in place to deliver a quality trail with certainty and without delays.”
The charitable organisation is responsible for planning and developing more than 200km of trails throughout the Whakatipu Basin, from commuter routes to single track, flow trails and backcountry loops.
