In November 2015, our 10-year strategic plan was launched, Download the plan here... http://queenstowntrail.co.nz/assets/Document-Files/Queenstown-Trails-for-the-future-2015-2025.pdf
And read on to find out how we are going to achieve our ambitious plans and support is in our vision by joining our Supporters Programme. Become a Friend of the Trust Member today - http://queenstowntrail.co.nz/tales-from-the-trails/friends-of-the-trust-supporters-programme-2017/
WORLD-CLASS TRAIL MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME
In a bid to build a world-class network of trails, we have been working with QLDC on trail maintenance and planned upgrades on specific parts of the trail throughout 2016 and 2017. Prioritising sections of the trail which require a variety of work in order to take our trail from "Good to Great". Thanks to recent planned upgrades and joint venture funding from MBIE's maintaining the quality of great rides fund, you'll notice the trails are now riding fantastic from Lake Hayes Estate through to Arrow Junction and the Arrow Bridges Ride. Visit our maintenance page if you would like to check for current trail closures or disruptions here.
TWIN RIVERS TRAIL - SHOTOVER DELTA
We have reached agreement on a re-route of the trail behind the gravel pits adjacent to Shotover Delta Road, many thanks to Fulton Hogan and Queenstown Hardfill for partnering with us on this project. This short shared-use section of road had become a health and safety concern for trail users, so we are really pleased that we will be able to move the trail over towards the rivers edge providing a safer and more scenic experience. We hope to start work on this re-route immediately.
JACK’S POINT LOOP
Planning for this new trail connecting Jack’s Point and looping round to connect to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge is well underway and trail scoping commenced early this year. Not only will this be a fun recreational loop for locals and visitors, it will also act as a vital link connecting the communities of Jack’s Point and Hanley’s Farm to Frankton and the new Wakatipu High School. Whilst investigations into the alignment of this trail are ongoing, and our original aim was to start constructing this trail earlier this year, it has not been as straightforward as we hoped; but the funds are tagged, and the trust is committed to providing the absolute best solution to develop this trail for all affected stakeholders.
CORONET LOOP MTB & walking track
This project has been a long time coming. The Queenstown Trails Trust has been working tirelessly with multiple stakeholders to bring this project into fruition. The exceptional generosity of the Soho Properties Landowner has seen 53,000ha of magnificent land gifted to the people of NZ by way of QEII National Covenant. An intermediate grade MTB (and walking) trail starting at the top of Bush Creek, traversing the front face of Coronet Peak to the base of the Rude Rock trail, down Long Gully and up over Greengates Saddle before returning to the Macetown Road via Deep Creek and Coronet Creek.The first stage of the trail has almost been completed, and we have uncovered some interesting local mining history along the way. We hope to have this section of the trail open as soon as snow levels allow.
TRAIL CONNECTIVITY - CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES
In a bid to ease congestion on our roads the Trust wants to connect all Queenstown communities to the main Queenstown Trail routes to encourage safe cycle commuting and walking within the District. We all know Queenstowners love their bikes, only we want to see less attached to cars via bike racks and see more people riding to work, school, to the shops and for leisure. Working with QLDC, NZTA and MBIE we are looking closely at how we easily and safely connect Sunshine Bay, Fernhill and Arthurs Point through Queenstown CBD; Queenstown to Arrowtown; Lake Hayes Estate, Shotover Country and Quail Rise through to Frankton and of course Jack’s Point and Hanley’s Farm to Frankton.
This is a vital period of trail development for Queenstown and in line with the Trusts’s 10yr Plan to ‘connect our communities’. With growing pressure on roads from a rapidly expanding population, there has never been a more important time to provide alternate travel routes and transport modes for our community. With a sustainable and integrated trail network, we can encourage more ‘active transport’ for commuters as well as get kids back on bikes with a safe means of getting to the new high school in Frankton.
Funds raised during the 2018 annual appeal will go towards a significant re-alignment of the existing Queenstown Trail. Government funding via MBIE for large ‘Enhance and Expand’ projects such as this is contingent on sourcing at least 50% locally sourced co-share funding. The re-alignment will involve a new route along the foot of Coronet Peak linking Arrowtown to Arthurs Point, then on towards Frankton via the Lower Shotover Gorge and a pedestrian bridge at Tucker Beach. Ultimately, the Queenstown Trail itinerary will also include the new link from Jacks Point and down the Kawarau, connecting seamlessly with the new Central-Otago link trail in Gibbston.