QLDC to Manage New Trails Network

The Queenstown Lakes District Council will manage a network of publicly accessible walking and biking tracks that are to be built across Glencoe and Coronet Stations, in a landmark agreement between it, local and national trusts, community groups and property owners.

At yesterday’s Council Meeting, Councillors agreed QLDC would provide a budget of $10,000 a year to maintain the 11 existing and planned tracks, beginning three years after they are completed. A further seven tracks including the Big Hill Walkway will be managed by the Department of Conservation.

QLDC’s General Manager Property and Infrastructure, Peter Hansby is excited to see yet more land opened up to the public. “These tracks, when completed are going to greatly enhance public access to both Glencoe and Coronet Peak Stations and are will be a significant recreational asset for residents and visitors alike.”

The tracks to be formed will build on the existing network already accessible across both stations and a Coronet Loop Track is planned that has the potential to become one of the iconic day rides in the Wakatipu Basin. The enhanced track network also offers the potential to be used for events in the future, similar to the popular Motatapu multi-sport event.

The Queen Elizabeth II National Trust’s Central Otago representative, Rob Wardle, is delighted to see the Council approve the track maintenance. “This has been a long time in the planning and it’s fantastic to see everyone getting on board to make it happen. It just goes to show the great results that can be achieved when everyone works towards a common aim.”

Queenstown Trails Trust Chief Executive, Mandy Kennedy, agrees. “The Queenstown Trails Trust works tirelessly across the district to ensure access to the world class trails we have here. This agreement is yet another step in the right direction and is something that will be music to the ears of the many outdoor enthusiasts who live in and visit the region.

Several of the tracks are yet to be formed and others are to be upgraded to a higher level – this work is to be carried out by Soho Property Limited (SPL), which owns both Coronet and Glencoe Stations. This is part of an ongoing commitment to guarantee public access to both properties, over and above the conditions that were required by the Overseas Investment Office when SPL purchased the properties.

SPL Manager Russell Hamilton sees this as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to ensure access to this iconic landscape. “We’ve always thought that this beautiful part of the country was too good to be locked away and it’s great to see QLDC commit to maintaining these tracks once we’ve built them. It’s going to be a great resource for many years to come.”

While some of the tracks are already open to the public, the aim is for work to start on the new trails in 2017. QLDC will begin managing the trails three years after completion to allow for a settling in period.

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