April 2011 Newsletter

Twin Rivers TrailFUNDRASING COUNTDOWN – THANK YOU COMMUNITY TRUST OF SOUTHLAND

The recently announced $951,000 grant from the Community Trust of Southland means the Trails Trust has only about $500,000 left to raise for the development of the $5m Queenstown Trail.

The Community Trust has now contributed $1m towards the Trail and combined with the Government grant of $1.8m and $1m from the Central Lakes Trust plus numerous other donations, we are on the countdown to reach the final tally. Hopefully we can secure the final amount this year then we can get on with the job of building the trail.

Speaking of which, construction is now underway on the Twin Rivers Trail from the restored Lower Shotover Bridge to Morven Ferry, and we are keen to hear from any beginner or intermediate riders who can ride and check out the trail for us during construction, to ensure we get it right. Contact Kaye.

 

TRAIL HEROES

The Trust wants to publicly pay tribute to the Wakatipu landowners who have given easements for the Queenstown Trail to cross their properties. They have shown outstanding support and are the true heroes of this project

 

NEW WORLD WAKATIPU TRAIL BLAZER - November 18 2011

Wakatipu Trail Blazer

This is our major Queenstown Trail fundraiser for the year so mark it on your calendars. Walkers, runners and cyclists are urged to take part in the Trailblazer which follows a course from Jack’s Point to Jardine Park at Kelvin Heights. The inaugural trailblazer last year was a major success and we want to attract more people and raise more funds at this year’s event...spread the word!

 

Wakatipu Trail Blazer

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

In this instance quite a lot we think! That’s why we are planning to change our name from the Wakatipu Trails Trust to the Queenstown Trails Trust. Part of our obligation to the Government for its $1.8m grant is to promote the Queenstown Trail to tourists and Queenstown is the internationally recognised brand. Tourism New Zealand and Destination Queenstown are spending millions of dollars profiling our trails, and while we will always be very much Wakatipu focused, the name change is important to reflect our role in providing trails for visitors as well as local residents.

 

WebsiteNEW LOOK WEBSITE

Take time to check out our new website – www.wakatiputrails.co.nz. It’s very user friendly thanks to the team at Feast Design and Xebidy. It highlights the development of the Queenstown Trail as part of the New Zealand Great Rides programme. It is planned to feature other walking and biking trails around the region including the Gibbston River Trail and trails in Arrowtown, Queenstown, Glenorchy and Kingston.

 

AmisfieldAMISFIELD ON BOARD

Amisfield Wine Company has become a Trails Trust patron sponsor because it recognises the positive long term benefits the Queenstown trails will have for tourism and the local community. Amisfield recently staged its first function on our behalf to celebrate the announcement of the $1m Community Trust of Southland grant. The winery’s support is exciting for the Trust and we look forward to an excellent partnership.

 

Chris EdenTRUSTEE ACKNOWLEDGED

The Trust farewelled long standing trustee Chris Eden from the Board at the last AGM amidst accolades for his commitment and dedication. As Department of Conservation Area Manager Chris Eden was one of the original settlors of the Wakatipu Trails Trust in 2002 and the following year, after

leaving his position with DOC, became a trustee. His assistance over the years, particularly in developing the Trust’ strategy has been invaluable.

 

FRIENDS OF THE TRUST NEWS

  • Thanks to Trustee Barbara Simpson and her husband Neil who spearheaded a group of six volunteers to spray, weed and replant a section of the Lake Hayes track alongside the state highway. Giant shrub sized weeds have been removed to clean up what was previously an eyesore area.
  • DaffodilsOver 2000 daffodils planted along the track between the old and new Shotover bridges will be a spectacular sight in spring. Thanks to Rotary members and volunteers who gave up their time for the bulb planting venture.
  • Several Friends of the Trust helped seal bench seats and picnic tables on the Gibbston River Trail, as well as hand labelling Gibbston River Trail 2009 fundraising wine bottles late last year–many thanks for assisting the Gibbston group.
  • A memorial seat has been built alongside Lake Hayes (at the Rutherford Road end) to mark the contribution by resident Heather Cummins who tragically died last year. Heather loved the area and was passionate about its conservation and supported local efforts to bring back birdlife to the lake.

 

TRAIL TALES

  • New Chums trail leading off Tobin’s Track is a popular addition to the trail network particularly because of its historic and scenic values. Thanks to Soho Properties for developing this and other tracks close by.
  • Queenstown Hill enthusiasts will have noticed a significant upgrade to the Time Walk track with the reconstruction of the track from the start of the loop to the Basket of Dreams. The maintenance work has been carried out with funds held in trust for the project which was developed to mark the millennium in 2000.

 

GIBBSTON RIVER TRAIL UPDATE

  • The 2.4km Waitiri Loop has been upgraded making it more family friendly. A pedestrian entry gate has also been installed allowing people to access the track when the Church Lane gates are locked. Two stiles on the Gibbston

Valley Station section of the trail have been replaced with sheep grates making it easier going for cyclists. Great effort from the Gibbston Community Association.

Gibbston River Trail

OUTSTANDING SUPPORT

Many thanks to the Trusts Charitable Foundation for its $75,000 grant and its on- going support for the work of the Trails Trust – it is greatly appreciated!