Construction of the $8 million Kawarau Gorge Trail cycleway linking Queenstown to Cromwell is on the horizon with the awarding of the project management contract to Southern Land Development Consultants.

“The selection of Southern Land is a testament to their expertise and capability,” says Southern Lakes Trails chair Aaron Halstead. “The company was involved in the preliminary feasibility studies and we are pleased to have them on board to steer the construction of this groundbreaking trail.”

Stretching over 32 kilometres from Nevis Bluff to Bannockburn the completed trail will seamlessly integrate with the existing Queenstown Trail in Gibbston and link to the Lake Dunstan Trail.

“The building of the new trail is expected to start in early 2024 and will likely take two years to build eventually forming part of a wider network of over 500 kilometres of trails for cyclists that will eventually link Queenstown to Dunedin,” says Aaron.

Southern Lakes Trails is partnering with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on the construction creating a bolted on section of trail below road level at the Nevis Bluff and an underpass beneath State Highway 6 near Oxbow Adventure Co at Victoria Flats. 

Southern Land’s trail designer and project manager Dave Howard says the company is excited to be part of the cycling project which includes to large bridges over the Kawarau River.

“The beauty of these trails is they allow people to experience nature, culture and history and the Kawarau Gorge has plenty to offer on these three fronts. It is packed with amazing terrain that will deliver a memorable experience for generations to come.”

“The remote location will provide some challenges for our contractors but nothing that has not been overcome elsewhere. We are looking forward to continued work with the landowners and the ecological, archaeological and geotechnical teams to provide something truly special.”

Photo Credit: Tourism Central Otago