Walkers, trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat as the final stretch of Queenstown’s famous Tiki Trail is set to open on Monday 16 January.

The completion of this section means those using the trail can climb all the way up to the Skyline Gondola complex and Ziptrek Ecotours Treehouse, without using the vehicle access track.

QLDC Parks & Reserves Planning Manager Stephen Quin is excited about the completion of this popular track. “The Tiki Trail has become an iconic trail and is easily accessed from Central Queenstown. It’s well used throughout the year with people able to access not only the Skyline complex but the Ben Lomond Saddle track and beyond.”

“By linking the top section with the rest of the track it is now both more enjoyable and safer as it avoids the vehicle access track.”

Until the opening of this final section of track the Tiki Trail took users two thirds of the way up the hill before cutting west, away from the natural direction people would like to travel, and onto an access road.

A key feature of the new section of track is a striking set of stairs built and donated by Ziptrek, who also constructed the middle section of the track in 2010 as part of their Kea Tour.

“Ziptrek created the middle third of the walking track as access and for the community to enjoy and now in a joint effort with Council, we have a meandering trail all the way from town centre. It’s a lovely section of mixed and native beech forest that Ziptrek is now helping to maintain with the removal of wilding pine seedling as well as planting more native goodness. We look forward to seeing many visitors and locals enjoy this spectacular walk,” said Trent Yeo, Owner and Executive Director of Ziptrek Ecotours.

Construction of the upper section was carried out over two months in 2017 by Elevate Trail Building and was largely carried out by hand, which is in keeping with the majority of the rest of the track.

“This was a challenging build with steep terrain covered in thick vegetation, large trees and hidden bluffs. The end result is a winding and natural style track which is in keeping with the rest of the iconic Tiki Trail. It will be great for users to be able to go from the heart of town to the top of the gondola and beyond completely on track,” said Tom Hey, Owner of Elevate Mile Trail building.

Skyline Queenstown General Manager Wayne Rose says the completion of the Tiki Trail will make the walk up Ben Lomond that much more enjoyable for locals and visitors.

“So many people walk up this track to visit all the fantastic leisure facilities at the top of Bob’s Peak. We’re pleased that it’s now more accessible than before so they can experience the world-famous views up here.”

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