Wānaka Trail Ride raises $22,000 for local schools
More than 520 riders descended upon Tarras on Saturday, for the seventh annual Wānaka Trail Ride.
The event – covering over 100 kilometres of private farmland and high-country terrain – raised approximately $22,000, with funds split between Wānaka Primary School and Montessori Children's House Wānaka.
The funds will be used for landscaping gardens and play areas at Wānaka Primary School and drop-down blinds on the school's veranda for Montessori Children's House Wānaka.
Montessori Children's House Wānaka teaching manager and Wānaka Trail Ride sponsorships manager Anne-Marie Love says the Wānaka Trail Ride is a real community event.
"There are so many familiar faces, whether it’s through Montessori or we’ve got to know them from riding with us over the years,” Love says. “Many riders come back every year.”
Local Wānaka rider Thomas Masters says the day offers a variety of fun riding challenges, which included new tweaks to the terrain in the expert sections this year.
"There was plenty of mud and some carnage in the creek,” Masters says. “But everyone was helping each other to get out.”
The trail ride had more than 60 people volunteer from local schools and community groups, to pitch in and make the day possible.
Wānaka Trail Ride Committee Chair Alix Wilson says the smooth running of the event is a credit to the high calibre of volunteers.
"Within our team, we have members of the police force, coast guard and former fire service officers. Most had first aid experience, and many also had first responder experience,” she explains. "Lots of riders will tell you, if it's not challenging, it's not fun.
"With everyone having such different skill levels, we work hard to ensure we're catering to all abilities, keeping them safe, while ensuring everyone is having fun."
Riders get ready to hit the trails at Wānaka Trail Ride
Wilson credits Wānaka Trail Ride tracks manager Phil Pendlebury for delivering the variety of trail courses, which included a pee wee track for young riders.
The ride was held across three working stations – Deep Creek Station, Lindis Peak Station and Long Gully Station.
"A lot goes into this event, and we rely on the generosity of so many, particularly the landowners,” Wilson adds. “What an incredible backdrop we have to run this ride on, it’s the clincher for this event."
The Wānaka Trail Ride team is already planning to return in 2024, promising more spectacular views and atmosphere.
