The Queenstown Trails network encompasses more than 200 kilometres of cycling and walking routes and as a not-for-profit organisation depends on the support of a wide cross section of the community to fund its ongoing development.

“The expansion relies on a unique mix of generous individual supporters, business partnerships, grants and local and central government funding,” says CEO Mark “Willy” Williams. “Corporate sponsorship provides businesses with an impactful way to strategically contribute financial resources, leaving a lasting legacy for current and future trail users.”

He welcomes the recent addition of Luxury Real Estate New Zealand as a corporate sponsor which offers the business a means of aligning their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies with initiatives that directly support the region.

Company co-director Terry Spice says “so many of the properties we represent are directly connected to or neighbour the iconic Queenstown trails and we have seen firsthand the appeal they hold for people investing in the area. The trails aren’t just a lifestyle asset, they’re a genuine drawcard for the region. Our team are all keen trail users so it’s a partnership that resonates with us both professionally and personally”.

Earlier this year the Shotover Gorge Trail was opened after seven intensive years of work by the Queenstown Trails executive team and trustees to see it come to fruition.

The 5.5 kilometre trail along the Lower Shotover Gorge passes through the historic 108-metre long Hugo Tunnel and crosses the spectacular 90-metre high Kimi-ākau Bridge which spans the gorge at Tucker Beach.

“The big focus of this trail was closing the gap in the network, linking the northern side of the Whakatipu Basin with the residential suburbs, creating a seamless recreational link and integrating with the mountain bike trails on Coronet Peak and Mahu Whenua,”

Mark Williams

The trail attracted support from the Hugo Charitable Trust for the restoration of what is now known as the Hugo Tunnel, individual donations from the Alterno Foundation, Rod Drury and Scott and Rachel McLaren for the construction of the Kimi-ākau Bridge along with the community who answered the call to “sponsor a plank” to raise the shortfall.

Queenstown Trails is now turning its attention to enhancing the trail network with improved infrastructure as well as putting plans in place to  extend trails to 12 Mile and around Lake Whakatipu to Glenorchy.