Issue #906

by Mark Williams, Queenstown Trails CEO

Trails are a big part of why many of us choose to live here, and why many choose to visit. People have always been drawn here to explore the mountains, lakes, and rivers, and we’re in the fortunate position of being able to offer something for every ability, whether cruising through vineyards on the Gibbston River Trail or racing world-cup level downhill tracks on Skyline and Coronet Peak.
Without a doubt, biking is becoming one of the mainstays of our emerging regenerative tourism strategy, enabling visitors to slow down and engage with communities and the environment as they pass through, getting involved in restoration projects and leaving the place better than they found it.

This dovetails perfectly with DQ’s vision for Carbon Zero Tourism by 2030 and the new Destination Management Plan. The Queenstown Trails 10 Year strategy released this week aims to build on that momentum with some ambitious goals to make Queenstown one of the world’s leading biking and hiking destinations, with trails close to home for everyone who lives here.
The Next Ten Years of Queenstown Trails stresses the importance of collaboration and alliances as it seeks to tick off some ambitious projects, including Queenstown to Glenorchy, and eventually all the way around Lake Whakatipu. Relationships with iwi, landowners, funders, and stakeholders will be key to aspirations to connect regional communities with a trail network.

Some of these projects are already underway, with a new trail linking Tucker Beach to Arthurs Point and Arrowtown due for completion later next year, which includes an old mining tunnel and a new 80m suspension bridge across the Kimiakau River. This trail will complete the missing link in the Whakatipu basin, and connect seamlessly with the new Coronet Loop, Hot Rod and Carry-on trails.

The trail doesn’t end there, with both QLDC and Waka Kotahi (slowly) developing plans to deliver an ‘Active Transport Network’ which will provide safe, integrated walking and cycling opportunities to work and school. As well as escaping Queenstown’s traffic woes, the health and wellbeing benefits are obvious. Additionally, QAC’s recently published masterplan seeks to position Queenstown Airport as the world’s most bike-friendly airport, with ‘green-links’ to the trail network, all driving a behavioural change to adopt more active modes of transport.

Perhaps most importantly, these trails will have a positive impact on the environment, where enhanced access enables wilding control, native restoration, and predator trapping, reinforcing our role as Kaitiaki. The incredible mahi being done by organisations such as Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, Mana Tahuna and Southern Lakes Sanctuary is already evident beside many trails, and by working together, we can create something truly special, not just for Queenstown, but for New Zealand.

To learn more about our plans to Inspire adventures, create experiences and connect people, visit; https://queenstowntrails.org.nz/about-us/strategic-direction