Southern Cycleway A Boost For Queenstown tourism

Monday, 27 July 2009, 5:09 pm
Press Release: Destination Queenstown

Thumbs up for southern cycleway a boost for Queenstown tourism

The construction of a Southland and Queenstown Lakes ‘Around the Mountain Rail Trail’ from Walter Peak to Kingston could start as early as this summer if feasibility work permits.

Prime Minister John Key announced today that the southern route was one of seven potential cycleway routes earmarked for construction in the first phase development of the ‘New Zealand Cycleway Project’ – a Government initiative designed to generate lasting economic, social and environmental benefits through a network of world class cycling experiences

Destination Queenstown CEO Stephen Pahl said the announcement was fantastic news for Queenstown.

“We would love the southern route to be first off the blocks,” he said. “The benefits of a cycleway to this region will be significant in terms of attracting key markets because it will provide greatly improved access to our back country areas and scenery.”

“The single main reason for visiting this area is the scenery, and as a scenic adventure activity the cycleway will add a very strong new activity to our already amazing range. We’re delighted to see the track's designed to be an easy ride because activities that are accessible to a wide range of people, and at little cost, are always in demand. Cycling is a great family activity and this route has the added bonus of a trip across Lake Wakatipu on the famous TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak.”

From Walter Peak, the cycleway goes through Mount Nicholas Station and along the Von Valley to Lake Mavora. It then follows the Oreti River to Mossburn and joins up with the old railway line to Lumsden and finally Kingston.
Mr Pahl said the Southern Lakes and Southland regions had some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

“What an amazing experience it will be – a leisurely cycle through pristine forests and back country stations along rivers, lakes and old railway lines,” he said. “It’s set to become a ‘must do’ activity in Queenstown for visitors and locals alike.”

For more information on the New Zealand Cycleway initiative visit http://www.tourism.govt.nz/Our-Work/New-Zealand-Cycleway-Project/.

ENDS

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