The highly anticipated completion of the Arrowtown to Arthurs Point to Tuckers Beach cycling trail will coincide with the start of work on the Kawarau Gorge Trail, connecting Queenstown to Central Otago with a spectacular off-road trail.

“It’s an exciting time for trails in our region as we begin to see the linking together of a number of New Zealand Cycle Trail Great Rides,” says Queenstown Trails CEO Mark (Willy) Williams.

He says the Trails Trust’s recently updated strategic plan outlines its vision for the next ten years.

“We’re proud to be expanding the scope of the work we’re involved in from recreational trails and commuter routes through to backcountry singletrack and broader regional connections with the associated benefits of conservation, active transport, and health and wellbeing at the core of everything we do – not to mention the benefits of regenerative tourism and Queenstown’s carbon zero 2030 aspirations.”

Beyond the Queenstown Trail Great Ride new trails on and around Coronet Peak, including the popular Morning Glory and Hot Rod tracks, have been spearheaded by Queenstown Trails and maintained by the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club (QMBTC).

“ We are building on our philosophy of ‘better together’ where collaboration with other entities delivers not only great trails but also conservation and restoration outcomes through enhanced access. The trails on Coronet Peak form the backbone for an exciting Trees That Count initiative to re-cloak the entire front faces with native forest, as well as providing an opportunity to ringfence large parcels of land with a predator trapping network.”

“Further afield we are working alongside Glenorchy Trails Trust and the Southern Eco Trails Trust to develop plans for a trail between Queenstown and Glenorchy,” says Mark. “Queenstown Trails and QMTBC have already submitted a joint application to the Department of Conservation for the first section between Sunshine Bay and Seven Mile, creating a safe off-road link from Queenstown to the popular recreational hubs of Seven Mile and Twelve Mile reserves. This trail could ultimately enable a connection into Southland and right around Lake Whakatipu.”