Stunning new trail set to open

Shotover Gorge Trail will officially open at noon this Sunday, 13 April.

The spectacular 5.5km trail journeys along the Lower Shotover Gorge, passing through the historic Hugo Tunnel (108m) and crossing the impressive Kimi-ākau Bridge (90m) which spans the gorge at Tucker Beach.

The new trail is the culmination of seven years of blood, sweat and tears for the Queenstown Trails executive team, who, under the guidance of Trustees and with the generous support of loyal trail lovers, are delighted to reach this milestone.

Queenstown Trails CEO Mark 'Willy' Williams has championed the expansion of the Queenstown Trails network.

“The big focus of the Shotover Gorge Trail was closing the gap in the network, linking the northern side of the Whakatipu Basin with the residential suburbs, creating a seamless recreational link and integrating with the mountain bike trails on Coronet Peak and Mahu Whenua”.

The trails also connect communities and provide active transport opportunities.

“Trails provide the perfect means for locals and visitors to experience the Whakatipu Basin without a reliance on vehicles, reducing emissions and congestion, with the obvious health and wellbeing benefits of daily exercise”.

After taking the trail realignment idea to Wellington in 2017, MBIE agreed to fund 50% of this project though the NZCT Enhance and Expansion Fund, with Central Lakes Trust coming onboard soon after with a significant part of the required co-funding.

“With inflation and post-covid construction cost increases, certain aspects of the project ended up costing more than initially estimated, so we looked to the community for support - and the call was answered”.

The McQuilkin family were first to plug the infrastructure funding gap by sponsoring the McQuilkin Bridge at Little Stream.

The Hugo Charitable Trust also came on board, enabling the restoration of the Hugo tunnel, bringing gold mining heritage and a spectacular trail experience to life for both locals and visitors to enjoy.

 

And the construction of iconic Kimi-ākau Bridge would not have been possible without the generous supporting tower donors - Rod Drury, the Alterno Foundation and Scott and Rachel McLaren, as well as our community of trail lovers.

“In our hour of need our Trail Lovers embraced the ‘Sponsor a Plank Challenge’, where 110 plank sponsors raised the remaining shortfall, resulting in this magnificent structure getting off the ground.

"Special thanks to all our long-time supporters and particularly Julian and Lizanne Knights for kicking off this initiative with the first 7 planks."

The conservation outcomes facilitated by the new trail are an enormous benefit, Willy says.

“We are incredibly proud that the trails provide access for trapping, planting, control of invasive species and waterway restoration, allowing people to experience our environment and gain a sense of guardianship/Kaitiakitanga."

Williams thanks all those involved in bringing this trail to life, including consultants and contractors.

“This stunning trail is a legacy asset for the region; the bridge, tunnel and trail are all symbolic of people banding together for the greater good and enhancing what it means to live, work and play in Queenstown”.

Opening this Sunday provides a great opportunity for families to experience the new trail with Easter and school holidays coming up, with the added benefit of official partners in Arthurs Point offering perfect places to stop for refreshments before, during or after your ride.

The month of April is Queenstown Trails’ annual ‘Trail Lovers’ fundraising campaign, so show your appreciation for the new trail and the work they do with a donation at queenstowntrails.org.nz/

An official opening function will take place on Sunday, 13 April, acknowledging the Plank Sponsors and key supporters of this project, then from 12noon the trail will be open for the public to enjoy.

The Kimi-ākau Bridge will be closed from 10am while the ceremony takes place.