Wharehuanui Trail opens this weekend

Forming the ‘missing link’ in the extensive Queenstown Trails network, the Wharehuanui Trail linking Arrowtown to Arthurs Point is set to open this weekend.

Some 13km of new trail has been constructed along the northern side of the Whakatipu Basin, following the foothills of Coronet Peak, and tracing Mill Creek from its source before connecting into the existing Countryside Trail at Millbrook.

The new trail is the result of seven years’ work by Queenstown Trails with the support of many stakeholders and the community.

“We are so grateful to the landowners who have worked with us throughout this project, recognising the benefit of the trail for our community and granting access to assist in creating an asset that will benefit the Whakatipu now and for future generations,” Queenstown Trails CEO Mark 'Willy' Williams, says.

Williams has championed the expansion of the Queenstown Trails network – having identified a gap in the network and the benefits of trails for community, economic benefit, and conservation initiatives.

“The big focus of the Wharehuanui Trail is creating a seamless recreational link between the valley trails and the wider backcountry MTB trail network on and around Coronet Peak and Mahu Whenua.”

The additional benefit of connecting communities with active transport opportunities is not lost on Williams who says 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".

With extensive views over the Whakatipu Basin the Wharehuanui Trail also provides an opportunity to experience the conservation efforts by Mana Tahuna and the extensive Mill Creek/Lake Hayes restoration project underway. The conservation outcomes facilitated by the trail are an enormous benefit, Williams 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.

 

 

He says a "huge thank you" to everyone involved in the project – "especially, landowners, funders MBIE and Central Lakes Trust, and our loyal Trail Lovers supporter base, with a particular mention to the Kuperus Family who generously funded the Kuperus Crossing bridge near the foot of the Dan O’Connell Climb".

"Special thanks also to M3 Contracting who did a stellar job to construct the trail, under the expert watch of Project Manager Giulio Chapman-Olla from Southern Civil Consulting. The trail and structures design teams from Patersons Land professionals and Stantec also deserve recognition for their vision and skills, as do the legal services from Robert Huse at Anderson Lloyd who has navigated a huge variety of easement agreements for us.

Built in partnership with the QLDC Parks and Reserves team, the maintenance of the new trail will be managed by council following the official completion of the project.

The Wharehuanui Trail will open on Saturday, with the school holidays providing a great opportunity for families to experience the new trail together. Start your ride at Gantley’s in Arthurs Point from 9am with a coffee and cake, and finish with a beer and fries at the Fork and Tap in Arrowtown.

An official opening function will be announced later in the year to celebrate this monumental occasion for Trail Lovers from far and wide.