Almost 'A Clyde To Lawrence Trail'

Almost 'a Clyde to Lawrence trail'
Otago Daily Times
By Sarah Marquet, on Friday 24 January 2014

The Millenium track, between Clyde and Alexandra, the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail are being seen by many cyclists as a package deal, Clutha trail trust chairman Rod Peirce says.

''There seems to be a lot of people doing both trails and ... there seems to be an association with the Clyde river trail [Millenium Track], the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails - it's almost like a Clyde to Lawrence trail.''

The Roxburgh Gorge trail, between Alexandra and the Roxburgh dam, and the Clutha Gold trail, between the dam and Lawrence, were officially opened on October 24 last year and were experiencing ''heavy usage'', Mr Peirce said.

The number of cyclists around Roxburgh and Millers Flat especially was ''phenomenal'' and anecdotal evidence suggested they were enjoying the trails.

Not everyone was opting for the boat trip across the middle section of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail - many were choosing to do the trails in segments, he said.

The 12km boat trip crosses the middle section where the trail has not yet been constructed because of various issues with three properties.

That could be about to change for one property though, Roxburgh Gorge Trail trust member Barrie Wills said.

The tenure review process of Obelisk Station was almost complete.

''Chances are that maybe we can get on with continuing the track later this year, but we'll have to look into fundraising.'Dr Wills said he had been on the gorge trail about once a week, tidying things up where needed.

That was usually midweek and he would see ''in excess of 30 to 40 people using it, so there would be a lot more in the weekends.

''I see people walking their kids in prams, a lot of bikers and a lot of walkers too.

''I've stopped and talked to a lot of people and they're just blown away.''

With no counters on the trails, exact numbers of users were unknown but the trusts were considering options to record usage, both men said.

They are looking to install cameras to not only capture how many people are using the trails but also age groups and other information about usage.

When asked how many $25 maintenance contribution tags had been sold, Central Otago District Council visitor centres manager Pam Broadhead said she was no longer able to supply that information as it was commercially sensitive, but the trusts would release that information after a meeting later this month.

Mr Peirce estimated between 500 and 600 had been sold and he would have a clearer idea after a meeting on Monday afternoon.

More...

Hide...

Beaumont's Rising Fortunes

Beaumont's Rising Fortunes 
By John Gibb, on Saturday 11 January 2014
Otago Daily Times 

Moves are afoot to make the small Otago township of Beaumont the thriving community it once was. John Gibb finds out about Beaumont's changing fortunes.
 
Once a fading rural backwater, the township of Beaumont now seems destined for a much brighter future.

People who have lived near the inland Otago township, on the Clutha River/Mata-au, for 20 years or more will remember earlier sometimes divisive and frustrating conflicts over proposed big hydro-electric dams, which would have flooded the area.

One proposal, by the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand (ECNZ) in 1992, was to build a dam at Tuapeka Mouth that would have flooded 3000ha, including all of Beaumont. But among a series of more promising developments the long-delayed replacement work involving the nearby 19th century Beaumont Bridge is at last due to start next year.

This is one of the oldest bridges in the country still operating on a major state highway.

And more walkers and cyclists are already starting to move through the township since the 73km-long Clutha Gold Trail- which runs between Roxburgh and Lawrence, and includes Beaumont- was opened by Prime Minister John Key on October 24. Long-time resident, historian and writer Bill Dacker (61) is well aware of the area's previously somewhat mixed fortunes.

''It was a little backwater that we enjoyed as a backwater,'' he recalls.

But then a series of dam proposals came along and changed everything, he said.

Some locals, including some facing tough economic times, had agreed to sell their land.

Others, including the ''Hands Off Beaumont'' lobbyists, were determined to resist and to safeguard all they found precious in the area, including its rich history and its attractive and distinctive environment.
Mr Dacker highlights the significance of the bridge replacement work.

The current bridge had been around since 1887 and had struggled to cope with some of the ''huge trucks'' now passing through.

Mr Dacker, who is a long-standing member of the Clutha Gold Trail Trust Board, says the newly opened trail and other developments mean brighter times are coming for Beaumont, which will boost the local economy by bringing in more visitors and potential new residents. Strengthening Beaumont was also important strategically, because it gave the area a better chance of influencing its own destiny in future, he said.
''Unless we're going to make the place strong in a different way, other people are [still] going to see it as a backwater,'' he says.

Dave Crawford is an experienced jet boater and co-owner-operator of Beaumont Jet, with his wife Ali, And he is also a Gold Trail board member.

It was ''great'' to see the cyclists already starting to flow along the track, through Beaumont.
''It can only be good for this area,'' he says.

When he and his wife moved to Beaumont and began jet boat operations in 2004, he had long known the area had strong potential.

The nearby Clutha River/Mata-au is ''probably the best part of the Clutha River'', he adds.

These stretches of the river were also as good as ''anything in New Zealand'' and offered plenty of variety, including ''huge rapids'' and other ecologically appealing areas.

And he is not content with Beaumont being one of the region's and New Zealand's best-kept secrets.
''The more people the better.''

Mr Dacker, who these days divides his time between Beaumont and Port Chalmers, has lived in Beaumont for much of his life, having grown up there.

His father, Harry Dacker, had initially found work there as a rabbiter in the 1920s.

Bill Dacker said the idea of building a''cycle-cum-walking trail through the district, along the river and through the farmland to Lawrence, was a direct response - a way of creating economic opportunity by bringing people into this area as well as the other areas connected by the trail''.

The idea had come from the trust's Roxburgh-based chairman, Rod Peirce, who was a ''retired orchardist from Millers Flat with long-standing connections in Beaumont as well as to the other communities along the trail.''

The lessees of the Beaumont Hotel had also contributed to the upturn in Beaumont's fortunes by continuing to develop and support ''events tailored to hunters and fishermen while adding cyclists to those they wish to give hospitality to''.

And the pub also served ''the best blue cod meals this side of Iceland'', Mr Dacker said.

Widespread support from the Beaumont community for the trust, as well as backing from ''other communities connected by the trail'', had been key to the success of the trail development.

This sense of unity and support stood in ''stark contrast to divisions in the communities'' sparked by the ECNZ dam proposal in 1992, and was ''a wonderful thing to experience''.

Alison Mills, who leases the hotel with her husband, Gunni Egilsson, is also optimistic about the future, and says patrons with different interests and from range of backgrounds, including tourists, were using the hotel and nearby camping ground.

Mr Dacker noted there had been some ''recent controversy'' over suggestions of fees for using the trail.
He emphasised there was no official fee for using it, ''but the trust asks for a koha [donation], a contribution for its maintenance from its users as at the moment the trust is solely responsible for costs of its maintenance''.

Mr Peirce (76) said there were early signs that the new trail would prove positive, and help revive smaller communities such as Beaumont and Millers Flat.

''It's very satisfying. There's a general air of enthusiasm.''

Mr Peirce, who was also once chairman of the Friends of Beaumont group, had opposed various proposals to establish big new dams nearby.

And he is positive about the new trail's benefits.

''I thought, if there's any legacy I can leave, it may well be more like the trail, which is more positive, rather than being an activist against everything.

''I'd like to be seen as someone who left something for the benefit of the community.''

People were already starting to come from far afield to ride or walk the new trail, and local families were also enjoying it.

''We've had a tremendous amount of support from Contact Energy.''

And $3.8 million from the Government's New Zealand Cycle Trail project funding had been used to support the trail's development. Through the years Mr Peirce has noticed rural decline, including loss of population and services, in some of the smaller communities.

''It's very positive. I think that the smaller villages will definitely gain a tremendous amount over the next several years and into the future from the trail.''

And Beaumont was already looking up. The school had closed some decades ago, but ''rural visitors'' were increasing and the pub was humming - ''it's quite a busy little pub'', Mr Peirce said.

The gold trail was also good for Millers Flat - ''it's the only town that the trail actually goes right through the middle of.''

And Mr Dacker highlights Beaumont's distinctive geographical position, and its historical significance.

Beaumont is the first crossing place of the Clutha River/Mata-au when travelling on SH8 from Milton to Central Otago, and its many attractions. And the area was ''one of the major entrance and exit points'' for the Clutha Gold Trail walkway.

The Clutha River/Mata-au is one of the outstanding natural features of the newly opened trail, which follows the river ''on its journey across the river flats below Roxburgh, through the Beaumont Gorge, before it turns toward Lawrence at Beaumont'', Mr Dacker says. The river crosses the Beaumont Flat and then passes through the Rongahere Gorge, the ''last major river flat and gorge respectively of the schist peneplain or block mountain system of the Central Otago highlands''.

Beaumont was a true border between very different geographical zones.

''On the Rongahere side the climate is wetter and cooler, more like that of coastal Otago than Central Otago. On the Beaumont Gorge side the climate is hotter and drier, marking the beginning of Central Otago proper.''

The Maori name for the district is Te Kohai and here the ancestors of Kai Tahu Whanui also crossed the river, but on mokihi (traditional rafts), on their journeys into the interior.

There was also once a moa-hunting era village at Beaumont.

The town of Beaumont grew around the river crossing, where a ferry operated, accompanied by a supporting structure of hotels and shops. The natural vegetation of the nearby gorges reflected the ''borderland'' characteristics.

The dominant tree on Upper Birch Island - also known locally as Native Island - in the Beaumont Gorge is mountain beech, indicating the drier and hotter conditions there. The far larger Birch Island, or Moanui, in the Rongahere Gorge below Beaumont, and the bush of the gorge itself, has a covering of a mixed podocarp forest that includes sphagnum moss, mountain and silver beech as well as totara and matai.

''Both the gorge and the island are home to rare and nearly extinct insect species, protected on the island from rat predation by the swift waters of the river,'' Mr Dacker says.

''Beaumont's fortunes have fluctuated over the years according to major changes in the economic, gold-mining and agricultural history of the province.''

First the search for gold, then the arrival of the railways and the rise of horticulture on the river flats of Central Otago followed by the development of exotic forest plantations in the Blue Mountains all contributed to its growth.

But, subsequently, the closure of the railway branch line, the decline in gold extraction, the rise of large land holdings, changes in the horticultural sector, and finally the closure of the Beaumont Forest headquarters had also contributed to the community shrinking.

Closures of the railway, shops, the race track, churches and the school had all followed ''but always a significant minority clung on'' and many people, including some who had left, showed ''a remarkable dedication to the area'', Mr Dacker said.

And he emphasises that, for the first time in 40 years, there were ''signs of growth at Beaumont again''.
Margaret Healy, who helped organise a series of ''Back to Beaumont'' days, held over the years, has always been optimistic about the township's future.

''The aim is to get people and their families to come back to their grassroots, reminisce and enjoy Beaumont,'' she said.

It was a great place to raise a family and she was keen for Beaumont to become a ''thriving community'' again.

---

Beaumont
• Beaumont is a township on State Highway 87, at a crossing of the Clutha Mata-Au River, close to Central Otago, between Balclutha and Roxburgh, and is 6km southeast from Raes Junction.
• The township is one of the main entry and exit points on the 73km-long Clutha Gold Trail, between Lawrence and Roxburgh.
• The gold trail's development was backed by $3.8 million in New Zealand Cycle Trail project funding and was opened by Prime Minister John Key in October.
• The trail includes parts of an old Maori trail, sections of the former railway line route, and parts of a former road.
• An earlier proposal in 1992 by ECNZ was to build a dam at Tuapeka Mouth that would have flooded several thousand hectares, including all of Beaumont.

More...

Hide...

Otago Prepares To Open New Cycleways

Otago prepares to open new cycleways
Saturday 12 October 2013
3 News

Central Otago's semi-arid dry lands and the green farmlands of the Clutha District in the South Island are being opened up to cyclists and walkers.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail and Clutha Gold Trail will be officially opened on October 24 by Finance Minister Bill English, the MP for Clutha-Southland, adding new cycling and walking options near the Otago Central Rail Trail, which already attracts an estimated 12,000 people a year.

The new trails have been developed by the Roxburgh Gorge Charitable Trust and Clutha Gold Charitable Trust over eight years.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail runs 33km from Alexandra to Lake Roxburgh Dam in three stages - a 10km stretch from Alexandra to Doctors Point, a boat transfer to Shingle Creek and a 12km track to Lake Roxburgh Dam.

Rod Peirce, chair of the Clutha Gold Charitable Trust, said the trails had been the collective vision of so many for so long that opening day would mark the transition from a long-held dream to a reality.

Cyclists on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail are expected to take between three and six hours, depending on fitness levels, boat transfer connection times, and time taken to view landmarks. Walkers are expected to take eight to 10 hours, including the boat transfer.

The trail runs down the western side of the Clutha River and most of the route is close to the river. The Clutha Gold Trail is a one-to-two day easy 73km ride from Lake Roxburgh Village to Lawrence.

The first stage from Commissioner Flat to Beaumont mainly runs beside the Clutha River before heading along a defunct railway corridor from Beaumont to Lawrence.

Users are asked to pay $25 per person or $50 for a family, yearly, for a maintenance contribution tag which covers both trails. The charge will not be policed, the Otago Daily Times reports.

More...

Hide...

Water Taxi Service Looks To Be Starter

Water taxi service looks to be starter
By Lynda van Kempen, on Tuesday 7 May 2013
Otago Daily Times

Providing a water taxi service to connect the northern and southern sections of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail has already piqued the interest of three potential operators.

Trail charitable trust chairman Stephen Jeffery said the venture had already attracted the attention of three operators before the trust formally sought expressions of interest last week.

Others who wanted to be involved had until June 21 to record their interest.

Two sections of the $3.4 million, 34km walking and cycling trail from the Roxburgh dam to Alexandra were almost completed - a 10km stretch from Alexandra to Doctors Point and a 12km piece from Lake Roxburgh to Shingle Creek.

Those two sections were expected to open in spring and the water taxi service would cover 12km of the Clutha River and Lake Roxburgh to link them.

''Because of the interest it's generated already, we're confident there will be suitably qualified and experienced operators prepared to carry out the water taxi service,'' Mr Jeffery said.

''There's been no final details yet on pick-up times and at the end of the day, it'll be a commercial operation, so we expect operators may want to include other things in the package. We're keen to hear how they'll make it work and there's a whole raft of other possibilities for add-on services that might be included.''

The trust had to look closely at revenue-generating opportunities and the concession process for a water taxi service was one way of doing that, he said. Last week, the Queenstown Trails Trust announced it had bought the Motatapu race event to get revenue to develop trails in the Wakatipu area.

Mr Jeffery said he had just returned from the North Island after taking a closer look at a 48km mountain bike race held there. There was potential for a similar event to be carried out using the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold (Roxburgh to Lawrence) trails.

''It's been made clear to us that we need to look at revenue-generating possibilities. There's no point mucking around; everyone's told us to fund our own trail, so we need to generate an income,'' he said.

Although the trust hoped to open up part of the trail before winter, a range of factors meant that would not be possible.

''I'm happy with the progress we're making but disappointed in the delays, which are out of our control.''

The middle section of the trail, where the water taxi service would be used, covered three separate properties, two of which were in the tenure review process, he said.

''The trust is still optimistic of being able to complete the full length of the trail; we're not ruling that out, but it may be a longer-term option. The fact of the matter is, we have to play with the hand that we've been dealt.''

More...

Hide...

Cavalcaders First To Walk New Trail

Cavalcaders first to walk new trail section
By Helena de Reus, on Thursday 28 February 2013
Otago Daily Times

Walkers setting off on the first day of their Otago Goldfields Cavalcade trek from Lawrence yesterday morning discovered the occasion also marked the opening of a 5km section of the Clutha Gold Trail.

Construction of the 73km Clutha Gold Cycle Trail from the Roxburgh Dam to Lawrence, on the opposite side of the river to the Roxburgh Gorge trail, began at the start of last year.

Trail trust chairman Rod Peirce said the group was happy the section's opening coincided with the cavalcade.

The 5km section stretches from Lawrence to Cockleshell Rd at Evans Flat.

About 50 people are taking part in the cavalcade's ''Whisky Galore'' walking trail, which began in Lawrence yesterday, winding up to Beaumont, through Black Gully, to arrive in Tapanui on Saturday in time for the cavalcade's grand parade.

Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the number of walkers opening the trail was ''magnificent''.

The Clutha Gold Trail has a $5.5 million budget, including $3.8 million from the Government.

The Lawrence to Evans Flat leg of the trail is all on private land. Mr Peirce said farmers gave the trust easements for the trail.

The 13km section from the dam to Pinders Pond was complete except for a bridge over the Teviot River, which is expected to be put in place next week. The trust planned to open the trail in sections to allow public use before an official opening of the entire trail by spring.

More...

Hide...

Cycle Trail Work Progresses Steadily

Cycle trail work progresses steadily
By Sarah Marquet, on Wednesday 5 December 2012
Otago Daily Times

Construction of two cycle trails between Alexandra and Lawrence is progressing steadily, with more money uplifted from funders and hopes to have some sections open to the public early next year.

With a budget of $3.4 million, $2 million of which came from the Government, construction of the 34km Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail between Alexandra and the Roxburgh dam started just over a year ago.

Recently, with government funds running low, Central Lakes Trust and the Otago Community Trust granted a total of $670,000.

Trail trust chairman Stephen Jeffery said that was not because there was a time limit on the government funds, but because they decided to use that money before approaching other funders.

The project was also costing more than expected.

He said contractors were within their tender budgets but the entire project was not running to budget because of costly realignment issues at the Alexandra end of the trail. The contractor was due back there in about a week and it was hoped that section, about 10km, would be complete by April.

A 12km section at the Roxburgh end was almost finished. Only grading, gravelling and signage had to be completed before it could be open to locals, although that was not expected to happen until early next year, he said.

Once the trails were complete, jetties would be built in the Roxburgh Gorge so cyclists and walkers could catch a boat between the two sections of the trail, as the trust still did not have permission from the Miller family to build the centre section. Construction of the 73km Clutha Gold Cycle Trail from the Roxburgh dam to Lawrence, on the opposite side of the river to the Roxburgh Gorge trail, began at the start of this year.

Trail trust chairman Rod Peirce said most of the trail was under construction and was within the $5.5 million budget, $3.8 million of which came from the Government.

The 13km section from the dam to Pinders Pond was complete except for a bridge over the Teviot River, and it was hoped that could open in the new year.

Construction from the Lawrence end was now about 2km short of Beaumont and construction on another section, from Millers Flat to the Talleburn River, was due to start soon.

Both chairmen said they had hoped the trails would be further along by now.

Mr Jeffery said there were ''things thrown at us that slowed us down ... things beyond our control''.

Mr Peirce said the Clutha Gold trail was also held up by small things but he was ''extremely pleased'' with how it was looking.

It was hoped the trail would be completed and open by next April, although ''with an [almost] 80km-long trail, it's hard to be definitive''.

Mr Jeffery said the Roxburgh Gorge trail trust would be ''trying to hurry things along'' now.

The trails are two of the 18 ''Great Rides'' in the Government's New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

More...

Hide...

Progress On Clutha Gold Trail

Considerable progress on Clutha Gold cycle trail
By Sarah Marquet, on Thursday 12 April 2012
Otago Daily Times

It's full steam ahead for the 73km Clutha Gold cycle trail between the Roxburgh dam and Lawrence. Construction is well under way on two sections at the Roxburgh end, and is about to start on another at the Lawrence end.

Trail trust chairman Rod Peirce said successful tenderer Homer Contracting was due to start on the Lawrence to Cockleshell Rd section, which would be relatively easy as it was on an old railway line.

"It's more like a tidy-up and spread some top gravel ...There are a couple of bridges to go in but they are under construction."

Earlier this year, construction began on other sections: 9km from the Roxburgh dam to Roxburgh, and a 23km section from Roxburgh to the mouth of the Beaumont Gorge at Minzion Burn. While Mr Peirce estimated between only 2km and 4km had been completed, he said the rest was not far away, some sections needing only a final top-dressing of gravel.

"It takes a while to do each section ... [We] need a heavy rain to be part of the process." Heavy rain would show weaknesses in the land, and any slips or potential slips could be fixed.

Two bridges are also to be installed in these sections: one at Butchers Creek in Roxburgh East and another over the Teviot River.

Mr Peirce described the trail section which passed Pinders Pond as a "trial" section where the contractor was fine-tuning construction methods. That section would be open to the public on Sunday from 2pm to 4pm to give people an idea of what the final product would be.

Although people are asked to leave their bikes at home because of the number of people expected, people would be able to walk 1km either way from the Pinders Pond campground and car park area.

Mr Peirce said trust members would be on hand to guide visitors and talk about the trail.

He said "a lot of people had been going to Pinders Pond to inspect the trail at weekends and the community was "beginning to take ownership" of the trail, and the trust was hearing "so many good comments" which had helped spark the plan for the open day.

However, Mr Peirce warned the trail was still a construction site and, as such, was effectively closed to the public, except for the open day. He warned contractors were still working on the trail during the week.

In its entirety, the trail will cross 11 private sections for which land-use easements have been obtained, Central Otago and Clutha District Council road verge, New Zealand Transport Agency road verge, Contact Energy, Land Information New Zealand and marginal strip land.

Mr Peirce said the completed trail between Roxburgh dam and Lawrence was scheduled to be opened early next year. It is part of the Nga Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail network, will cost $5.5 million to build, $3.8 million of which will come from government.

It follows the true left of the Clutha River to Beaumont, then winds through rural valleys to Lawrence.

It is intended the trail will link up with the 34km Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail between the Roxburgh dam and Alexandra.

Construction at the Alexandra end of the gorge trail has slowed since the trail trust began renegotiations with Bruce and Leigh Johnston, landowners on the section, after the couple voiced safety concerns which effectively stalled construction around their land.

Trail trust chairman Stephen Jeffery said the delay brought a silver lining: it meant the contractor building the trail could begin work near the Roxburgh dam, speeding up progress at that end.

However, the Alexandra delay had pushed the trail timeframe back "a bit" and instead of the 10km Roxburgh Gorge section being completed by June as scheduled, it would now be "well into spring" before it was finished.

Work began on that section in November.

Mr Jeffery estimated a little more than 4km of the trail had been completed so far. The middle section was still a "work in progress".

More...

Hide...

Strong Support For Riverside Trail

Strong Support For Riverside Trail
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Tuesday 7 February 2012
Otago Daily Times

There is a "hell of a lot" of support out there for the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, says trail trust chairman Stephen Jeffery.

Construction of the 34km trail, from Alexandra to the Roxburgh dam, began in November and Mr Jeffery was hopeful two sections of the trail would be finished by the end of this year.

He was disappointed the trail work had generated some negative publicity.

"Despite what you might think, the trail has a lot of backers. There's a hell of a lot of support for it, and there's a bit of a buzz in the [Teviot] valley now work's started on the trail."

The trust well knew of the concerns of trail opposers.

"We're doing what we can to address those concerns, as best we can, with the tools we have available to us, but at the end of the day, some things are beyond us to change."

Construction began on the first 10km, from Alexandra to Flat Top Hill, in November. Tendering for the 10km section from the Roxburgh dam towards Alexandra should be under way by the middle of this year, Mr Jeffery said.

"We're still pretty hopeful by the end of this year, those two sections will be completed."

Negotiations are still under way with two pastoral lessees in the middle section of the trail.

One family in that section had earlier refused access over their land and the trust said it would transport cyclists by boat past that section.

Mr Jeffery hoped the first section of the trail, roughly 1km, from Alexandra towards the gorge, would be completed soon and open for the public to view.

Last month, Bruce and Leigh Johnston set up a protest tent for a day, to block the path of the trail on the marginal strip in front of their property, about 1.5km from Alexandra, after concerns about the impact construction work was having on their land.

They removed the tent after entering further negotiations with the trust.

Mr Jeffery declined to comment on how talks were going with the Johnstons.

Approached for his comments, Mr Johnston said he and his wife were "working positively" with the trust.

"Talks between us and the trust are still at a crucial stage, regarding the trail width, alignment and stability. Until those are resolved, there's been an understanding with the trust and the contractor that no work will be carried out beside or on our property," Mr Johnston said.

The Roxburgh Gorge trail is one of the 18 which make up the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

It will cost about $3.4 million and the Government has donated $2 million.

Mr Jeffery said the trust was, likethe Clutha Gold trust, seeking outside finance to cover the difference between the Government funding and the cost of the project.

"We've had preliminary talks with some other funders about the project."

There was no "pressure" on the trail trust to use all the Government funding by the middle of this year, he said.

"Two stages of our trail will have tenders let by then. The trust will be able to show we've met their requirements for those two sections to get it off the ground."

Lake Roxburgh businessman Phil Winterbottom said many residents and businesspeople were pleased work was under way on both the Clutha Gold and the Roxburgh Gorge trails.

"I'm sure they're something that, two or three years on, will make the [Teviot] valley a different place. Look what the [Otago Central] Rail Trail's done for the towns along its route. We're ready for that to happen and will embrace it. By next summer, we could have two cycle trails on our doorstep," he said.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail will link to the Clutha Gold Trail.

They are expected to generate 70 jobs and $2.5 million annually within five years of completion.

Roxburgh Gorge Trail:
- 34km, from Alexandra to Roxburgh dam.
- $3.4 million to build, $2 million from Government
- Follows true right side of the Clutha.
- Work on first 10km under way.

More...

Hide...

'A Thrill' To See Sections Underway

'A thrill' to see sections near completion
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Tuesday 7 February 2012
Otago Daily Times

The Government launched the New Zealand Cycle Trail project in 2009 and provided funding for 18 "Great Rides" around the country.

Five were in the lower half of the South Island and three of those - the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, the Queenstown Trail and Around the Mountains Trail - already have sections open.

Central Otago reporter Lynda van Kempen checked on the progress of the other two southern Great Rides - the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail.

It was a day Rod Peirce had been awaiting for five years.

The first day of construction on the Clutha Gold cycle trail was a milestone and a moment to be treasured, the chairman of the trail charitable trust said.

"It's hard to believe it's finally under way ... I've been waiting five years for this to happen," he said.

"After all the hard work and planning up until this point, it's a thrill to finally see progress on the ground."

The Roxburgh man is one of the driving forces behind the project. The trail, one of five in the lower South Island included in the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, extends from Roxburgh to Lawrence.

In recent weeks, work started on two sections of the 73km trail, a 9km section from the Roxburgh dam into Roxburgh and another 23km section from Roxburgh to the mouth of the Beaumont Gorge at Minzion Burn.

Construction started a fortnight ago on the 9km section which will link the Roxburgh dam to Roxburgh with a bridge at Butchers Creek and over the Teviot River and a roadside cycleway along the Roxburgh East road to the Roxburgh bridge.

All going to plan, the trail will be finished within 12 to 15 months, Mr Peirce said.

Each section would be "open for business" as soon as it is completed.

Two different contractors have won the tenders for the first two sections of trail and tenders are being called progressively for remaining sections.

"We'd do it all at once if it was possible but, logistically, we have to break it into stages to make it easier on those overseeing the project," trustee Graham Dillon, of Queenstown, said.

Finding the balance of the funding for the project is still a work in progress, but the trustees are confident of getting the money from "outside sources" and the trail being "stand-alone".

"That's something that all 18 in the national cycle trail have to be. We couldn't do this if it wasn't going to be stand-alone -we don't want to be claiming on the ratepayers, " Mr Dillon said.

Various sources of funding were being explored, including charitable trusts and business sponsors.

Trustees will attend a workshop in Wellington this month, aimed at giving cycle trail promoters ideas on marketing and how communities can capitalise on the asset.

Mr Peirce said the trust had agreement to easements over the private and public land the trail would cross.

The granting of resource consents for the Central Otago part of the trail was initially appealed to the Environment Court last year but was resolved after mediation between the parties.

Clutha Gold Trail:
- 73km from Roxburgh dam to Lawrence.
- $5.5 million to build, $3.8 million from Government.
- Follows true left of Clutha to Beaumont, then through farm valleys to Lawrence.
- Work on two sections under way.

More...

Hide...

Terrain Challenges, But Trust Upbeat

Terrain presents challenges, but trail trust upbeat
By Sarah Marquet ,on Saturday 3 December 2011
Otago Daily Times

As construction on the first 10km of the 34km Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail from Alexandra to the Roxburgh hydro dam steadily progresses, members of the trail trust invite media on an expedition down the river to check out the trail route, the terrain, the history and the progress. Otago Daily Times journalist Sarah Marquet goes along for the ride.

As we meander down the Clutha River in a boat owned by Barrie Wills, of the Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail trust, it is easy to see why the trust chose the true right of the river on which to construct the trail.

This side is green, grassy and covered in thyme and brilliant yellow lupins.

It would be pretty to cycle through while looking across to the left at the magnificent rock bluffs towering above the water, which are interspersed with steep, deep green hills studded with rocks and schist outcrops.

The original plan was to build the trail down the true left of the river, but although there is already a walking track there, no landowner would consent.

When the trail feasibility study was done, all landowners on the true right of the river signed in-principle agreements.

This, access to the road and historical areas and greater commercial opportunities led the trail trust to believe the true right would be a "greater rider experience".

Our first stop along the river was at "four huts".

These naturally formed stone huts were home to miners of the 19th century and of the Depression; and previously possibly to Maori.

As Mr Wills nosed his boat in to shore, a challenging terrain was revealed.

We clambered off the boat and although the men beat a path through the lupin, gorse, briar and generally thorny thicket, it was a steep, rugged and difficult climb.

The crushed lupin and thyme delivered a delicious scent.

With the sun beating on our backs, we reached the promised huts.

There was evidence throughout these of occupants.

There were stacked stone walls, fireplaces and chimneys; and wire embedded in the rock face.

It is hard to imagine anyone living in these cramped quarters in this incredible terrain.

However, it gives a valuable historical insight and appreciation.

An archaeological assessment of the first 10km of the gorge was conducted by Southern Pacific Archaeological Research as a requirement of resource consents for the trial.

It identified 31 archaeological sites along the first 10km of the right side of the river.

Several artefacts identified during this process were recently removed by Department of Conservation staff and are now in Alexandra's Central Stories Museum.

However, we did discover a piece of textile tucked away at the back of a hut downstream of Davis Bend, just before Doctors Point.

Matt Schmidt, regional archaeologist with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, said it was likely the textile would also be removed.

Two areas I was eager to inspect on this trip were Bruce and Leigh Johnston's new boundary and an area of unstable rock that looks like a slip at the Narrows.

The Johnstons recently commissioned a formal survey of their boundary.

As a result the trust had to move the trail route further towards the river.

Although the trust is confident it can build there, the terrain is steep and rocky.

The area known as the Narrows, near Butchers Creek, was described in the trail feasibility study as "the most unstable section" of the gorge.

Previously, Mr Dennis said they were relying on information from Contact Energy, whose geologists were "very familiar with the area".

Mr Wills described the Narrows as "a pretty ancient relic going back several thousands of years" that moves slowly "but is only measured in millimetres".

It was obvious, from our wanderings and observations from the boat, that there would be some challenging terrain to negotiate.

Parts of the gorge are rocky, rugged and steep with large rock bluffs, as well as the slip.

However, the trail trust is confident the trail can be built as proposed.

"It's all doable, or we wouldn't have roads," trail trust chairman Stephen Jeffery said.

More...

Hide...

Roxburgh Gorge Trail Gets Green Light

Troubled trail gets green light
By Sarah Marquet, on Tuesday 1 November 2011
Otago Daily Times

The only thing left in the way of the first 10km of the controversial 34km Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail is the contractor's diary - the trail trust received the final sign-off from Land Information New Zealand (Linz) late last week.

Trust chairman Stephen Jeffery said technically that meant construction could start straight away, but the trust still had to meet successful tenderers John Sutton Contracting to discuss a start date. He expected to do so over the next couple of days.

John Sutton told the Otago Daily Times yesterday he did not have a start date in mind.

Mr Jeffery said a section in that first 10km, bordering Bruce and Leigh Johnston's property, was still a "bit rocky". The trust opted to use the marginal strip along that section but the exact whereabouts of the strip is being challenged by the Johnstons.

Initially they agreed to work with the trail trust but they have since issued the trust and the contractors with a trespass notice.

They declined to comment but the ODT understands they intend to commission a formal survey of their property boundary.

Mr Jeffery said by using old maps and GPS, the trust had pinpointed the marginal strip.

The budget for the trail is around $3.4 million. A grant of $2 million has been made by the New Zealand Cycle Trail project and the rest is expected to come from community funders.

Concern about the trail has been raised by other Central Otago residents, including Otago Central Rail Trail chairwoman Daphne Hull. She and others had spoken of concern for the environment and the visual impact of the trail.

Mr Jeffery said the trail's impact would be more pronounced initially "but over time it will blend in".

The New Zealand Cycle Trail organisation had suggested the trust look at replanting the area.

Mrs Hull said her concerns were eased by the news the trail trust had systems in place to deal with the lasting visual aspect and if done well it would be "a lovely add-on to the Otago Central Rail Trail and great for Roxburgh."

Mr Toyer also raised concerns about historical sites in the gorge and how they would be protected.

Historical points of interest identified along the trail route are the stone bridge piers at Alexandra, a stone wall in Old Bridge Road and Herron's Cottage in the Roxburgh Gorge. The Flat Top Hill conservation area contains significant and native plants.

The trail trust had had an archaeological assessment done and would continue to work with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and the Department of Conservation to avoid any adverse effects on those sites, as required by the resource consent.

This first section of the trail, from Alexandra to Flat Top Hill, is the only part of the trail secured so far but Mr Jeffery said it was close to securing the rest of the trail route to the Roxburgh dam.

They were talking to two major pastoral leaseholders, the next two landowners after Flat Top Hill, and trying to work some compensation into their tenure reviews for the land the trail would cover.

However, there was still an issue surrounding the Miller Family's farm at Shingle Creek, as the Millers had said the trail would not cross their land.

At this stage, the proposal was to transport cyclists by boat to a point further down the river, bypassing the Millers' property.

Mr Jeffery said this was not necessarily a bad thing, as it would provide this trail with a point of difference.

The rest of the trail, from Shingle Creek to the Roxburgh dam, was looking "favourable".

Once the trail has been completed, it will be the trail trust's responsibility to maintain it and raise the funds for the maintenance.

The Roxburgh Gorge trail will eventually link up with the Clutha Gold Trail, which will take cyclists from Lake Roxburgh and Lawrence.

Although a separate track, the Clutha Gold trail also received funding from the New Zealand Cycle Trail project and its construction is expected to begin soon.

More...

Hide...

Trail Work May Start Next Week

Trail work may start next week
By Sarah Marquet, on Thursday 29 September 2011
Otago Daily Times

Roxburgh Gorge Trail Trust deputy chairwoman and Vincent Community Board chairwoman Clair Higginson stands at the spot in Alexandra where the Roxburgh Gorge trail will start. Photo by Sarah Marquet. Construction of the first stage of the controversial $3.3 million Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail could begin next week as the trail trust irons out paperwork to get the final approval from Land Information New Zealand (Linz).

The trust this week received a letter from Linz which gave the all clear, but it contained a few conditions, trust chairman Stephen Jeffery said.

"They are technical issues that need to be addressed and included in the agreement, then [we can] get the sign-off ... mostly minor legal things."

He said the new wording will be incorporated into the agreement and sent back to Linz to be signed off which should take "about a week".

Work could then begin immediately on the first 10km of the 34km trail from Alexandra to Flat Top Hill, on a mix of marginal strip and Department of Conservation land.

Tenders have already been let and a contractor was ready to start, with the work expected to take six months to complete.

The rest of the trail, to the Roxburgh dam, was reliant on negotiating land access.

"We are still negotiating with land owners over the rest of the trail but we are making steady progress," Mr Jeffery said.

Since its conception, there had been strong opposition to the trail from landowners along its path, with concern mostly over the negative impact it could have on the land.

Devon Miller, whose family farms at Shingle Creek, has aired issues, including the overall viability of the trail, insurance liabilities and people wandering off the track.

Because the trust failed to get easement agreements from some landowners, it opted to use the marginal strip where possible.

A recent survey of the Otago Central Rail Trail found it generated more than $12 million annually for the local economy, which is something the Roxburgh Gorge Trail Trust hopes its trail can do just as well for its local area's economy.

"To grow the economy we need more people and targeting tourists ... and the trail is the most obvious way to do that," said trail trust member and Alexandra businessman, Russell Ibbotson.
(Editorial note from Clutha River Guardian: The river-length trail was envisioned to better enable local communities to benefit from their river asset, economically and in every way, and to enable them to better care for that asset.)

The Roxburgh trail would also link with the proposed Clutha Gold Trail.

That trail would stretch 73km from Roxburgh to Lawrence.

Both the Clutha Gold and the Roxburgh Gorge trails received funding from the Government under Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

A $2 million funding grant for the Roxburgh Gorge Trail was approved in September last year. The trail trust needs to raise the remaining $1.3 million.

More...

Hide...

Cycle Trail 'Benefit to Communities'

Cycle trail 'Benefit to communities'
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Monday 1st November 2010
Otago Daily Times

The Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail is a few wheel-tracks closer to becoming a reality now land-use resource consents have been granted.

The Central Otago District Council had applied to itself for consent for works and structures associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of the trail, on behalf of a newly-formed trust, which will run the trail.

Independent commissioner Denis Nugent, of Wanaka, heard the application early last month and granted consent, subject to 21 conditions.

Approved for $2 million in government funding as part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail Project, the 34km Roxburgh Gorge track will extend from Alexandra to the Roxburgh dam, on the state highway side of Lake Roxburgh.

Consent was sought for various structures, including three bridges, culverts, public toilets, information kiosks and signs, guard rails, cattle-stops and safety fences.

Six submissions were received, with no opposition.

" ... with no submitter opposing the application, the matters under contention really related to conditions that might be imposed," Mr Nugent said in his decision.

"The creation of another trail traversing a different type of environment from that traversed by the Otago Central Rail Trail would broaden the opportunities for tourists visiting the area. This would be of potential economic benefit to the communities at either end of the trail."

Alexandra resident John Douglas and Otago Fish and Game had suggested additional connections from the trail to increase accessibility to both State Highway 8 and the lake, but that was not a matter for him to consider, as it did not form part of the application.

"While the provision of such additional tracks may be worthy of consideration, it is a matter for the submitters to take up with the trust directly," he said.

In his view, most of the trail was within an outstanding natural landscape. The imprint of the trail would be low and it would blend in with water races and old roads along the way.

One of the conditions imposed was for the trail to avoid adverse effects on the heritage values of the area. Opening up the gorge to walkers and cyclists would enable the public to appreciate those historic sites, he said.

The conditions he imposed included restrictions on the hours construction work could be carried out, the design and colours of information kiosks and toilets, the content of signs and the final alignment of the trail.

Consent is still needed from the Otago Regional Council to build the bridges at Butchers Creek, Gorge Creek and Shingle Creek. The trail trust must also negotiate easements for the 11 private properties, and Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand and Contact property the trail will go through.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail will link to the proposed Clutha Gold trail, which will extend from Roxburgh to Lawrence.

More...

Hide...

Roxburgh Gorge Trail Funding

Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail funding confirmed
By Colin Williscroft, on Saturday 25 September 2010
Otago Daily Times

Confirmation of the Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail is good news for the Teviot Valley, the chairman of the trust set up to administer the project says.

However, Stephen Jeffery, who last week was elected chairman of the Roxburgh Gorge Charitable Trust, which will take over governance of the project from the Central Otago District Council, said confirmation of government funding was only another step along the path towards making the cycle trail a reality.

"Don't get me wrong; it is good news to have the funding there but there are still plenty of hurdles to get through yet," Mr Jeffery said.

That included negotiating easements for the 11 private properties, and Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand and Contact property the trail would go through, he said.

The Roxburgh Gorge trail, which will be built on the State Highway 8 side of Lake Roxburgh, between Alexandra and Roxburgh, was given $2 million of government funding on Thursday, under Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

The 34km trail is expected to cost $3.3 million, with the trust tasked with finding the rest of the money.

The trail would be a boost to the district, Mr Jeffery said.

More...

Hide...

Agreement Signed For Trail Funding

Agreement signed for trail funding
By Linda Van Kempen, on Friday 10 September, 2010
Otago Daily Times

Cycle trails are the "least invasive form of tourism on the planet" Clutha Gold Trail Trust chairman Rod Peirce said as he signed an agreement for $2.54 million in funding for the project yesterday.

Planning began four years ago and signing the contract between the New Zealand Cycle Trail project and the trust was a real milestone, he said.

National cycle trail programme manager John Dunn, Central Otago mayor Malcolm Macpherson, Clutha Mayor Juno Hayes, Clutha and Central Otago district councillors, Lawrence-Tuapeka and Roxburgh Community Board members attended the signing in Roxburgh.

The Government funding is for the first stage of the Roxburgh-Lawrence trail, from Roxburgh to Beaumont. Funding for the second stage, from Beaumont to Lawrence, is still under review.

"There's still some land access issues we have to sort out but we're confident that will happen," Mr Peirce said.

"Signing this contract is another stage of the journey and gets us closer to construction."

Planning had already started well before the Government announced the national cycle trails initiative but the funding available accelerated the likely starting date for the project.

He hoped the first construction work on the trail could be under way by July next year.

Mr Dunn said the title of the trail summed up the reasons why it was successful in gaining funding.

"The first thing is the Clutha, the river, the landscape you go through; what could be better than cruising along with the water beside you."

"Then there's the gold mining culture. A lot of our trails have one string to their bow - the landscape, but you have a second string, which is the mining history of the area."

Towns were evenly spaced along Clutha Gold's 73km length, at Roxburgh, Beaumont and Lawrence, so were well-placed to cater for the visitors attracted to the area by the new trail, he said.

"The national cycle trails will revitalise communities and attract New Zealanders and overseas people to your towns."

Roxburgh Community Board chairman Stephen Jeffery said there was a "huge groundswell of support" for the trail in the Teviot Valley.

"Every day I have people asking me when it's going to get under way. This is a step in the right direction, " he said.

Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said the economic benefits from the Otago Central Rail Trail had highlighted the importance of such projects.

Clutha Mayor Juno Hayes said Mr Dunn was welcome to visit any time - "especially if you bring a cheque with you".

The trail will link into the proposed Roxburgh Gorge Trail, from Alexandra to Roxburgh.


CLUTHA GOLD TRAIL

• 73km, following true left of Clutha River.

•Stretches from Roxburgh dam to Lawrence.

•$2.54 million approved for Roxburgh-Beaumont section.

•Construction work could begin in July.

•Will link to Roxburgh Gorge trail.

•Promoted by Clutha Gold Trail Trust.

More...

Hide...

Cycleways Funding Hailed; More Hoped

Cycleways funding hailed; more hoped
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Thursday 8 July 2010
Otago Daily Times

Central Otago is likely to get "two bites of the cake" in cycle trail funding.

Acting Minister of Tourism Jonathan Coleman announced $2.54 million funding on Tuesday for construction of the 54km Clutha Gold trail, from Roxburgh to Lawrence, one of eight trails approved under the New Zealand Cycle Trail Project.

The 34km Roxburgh Gorge trail, from Alexandra to Roxburgh, has also been earmarked for funds but has yet to meet the criteria.

A decision on its funding is expected by the end of October.

Cycle trail programme manager John Dunn said one of the interesting things about the Clutha Gold trail was that it linked small communities.

"It's nice coming down the [Clutha] river. It's different.

"It's got some quite nice history along it.

"Cyclists could stop and spend 10 minutes reading about it."

It would also be a potential addition to the Otago Central Rail Trail, Mr Dunn said.

Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said the Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge trails, which would interlink and also connect with the rail trail, would be a boon for the district.

"It's great news for the region and all credit to the teams behind these two projects.

"There's been a lot of work behind the scene to get to this point.

"Although there's still work to be done, there's a pretty solid indication that both these trails will go ahead.

"They'll give us a nice regional network of cycle trails and some extra capacity at peak times when the rail trail is busy."

The success of the rail trail had built a solid foundation for the new trails and also provided a mass of information about the benefits such projects could bring to small communities, he said.

"Probably we wouldn't have got as far as we've got or so quickly if we didn't have the rail trail as a model.

"And because we had some numbers about its success and evidence of its impact, those things all added real strength to our case."

The district was fortunate to get "two bites of the cake" in trail funding, Dr Macpherson said.

Clutha Gold trail trust chairman Rod Peirce, of Roxburgh, said the proposed route still had to be finalised and the trust was negotiating with the 103 landowners along the way.

"Some easements have been signed but we're still working through things with some landowners.

"In general, everyone has been very supportive of our plans."

Mr Peirce said the start of construction work depended on discussions with land owners but it was likely to be early next year before work began.

Central Otago District Council business development manager Jonathan Gadd said although the Roxburgh Gorge trail had fallen short at this stage, he was confident it would be successful in October, when the next round of funding would be announced.

"The cycle trail people have given us some minor issues that we need to address before it meets the criteria and I'm very confident we'll address those within the time frame.

"There's nothing there that's going to tip us over and count us out."

Both trails would contribute an estimated $3.5 million in annual gross domestic profit throughout Central Otago, Mr Gadd told a council meeting earlier this year.

CYCLEWAYS

Clutha Gold Trail
- 54km Roxburgh to Lawrence
- $2.54 million approved for Roxburgh-Beaumont section
- Negotiations with landowners still under way
- Construction may begin early next year
- Promoted by the Clutha Gold Trail Trust

Roxburgh Gorge Trail
- 34km Alexandra to Roxburgh
- One of 12 trails earmarked for funding
- Must resolve some issues to meet criteria
- Funding decision in October
- Promoted by the Central Otago District Council

More...

Hide...

Cycle Trails Gain Council Support

Cycle trails gain initial support
By Rosie Manins, on Saturday 3 April 2010

Further support in principle has been confirmed by the Central Otago District Council for the proposed Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold cycle trails.

Council business development manager Jonathan Gadd presented a report to the district development committee this week, highlighting options in relation to the trails.

The trails were among 13 to receive initial government funding from 54 concept trails nationwide as part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail Project.

If both trails were approved for construction, $5.8 million of government funding would be provided towards the estimated total construction cost of $8.5 million.

Mr Gadd recommended the committee support both proposed trails in principle, which included an agreement to underwrite their annual maintenance costs until a time when that was no longer deemed necessary.

About $60,000 was needed to complete a feasibility study for the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, and Mr Gadd recommended the committee also agree to provide up to $45,000 of the cost.

A full feasibility study and business plan for the Clutha Gold Trail was almost complete, so did not need the council's help.

The committee members resolved to approve all Mr Gadd's recommendations.

The council's backing would provide some confidence for the Government at this stage, although actual requests for maintenance or feasibility costs would have to be formally presented to the council.

It was estimated maintenance for each trail would be between $50,000 and $150,000 a year.

Mr Gadd said it was unlikely any costs would have to be realised before the 2011-12 year.

Both trails were intended to be self-sustaining in the long run, and would contribute an estimated $3.5 million in annual gross domestic profit throughout Central Otago, Mr Gadd said.

The Otago Central Rail Trail generated as much each year, and provided about 75 equivalent full-time jobs, he said.

"The addition of 100km of cycleway linking directly to the Otago Central Rail Trail has the potential to double the user numbers of cycle trail riders to Central Otago, as well as creating new opportunities for walking, and will benefit all communities along the existing and new trails," Mr Gadd's report stated.

He proposed rates should be at a district level if the council agreed to provide financial support.

Underwriting of $150,000 would raise the district rate components by about $12 a year for the 12,330 ratepayers.

Committee member John Lane questioned whether the rate increase should be district-wide, as the trails were not within the Cromwell or Maniototo wards.

Mr Gadd said benefits would flow throughout the district, and without financial help from all ratepayers, supporting both trails would not be sustainable.

He said without the council's support, it was unlikely either trail could progress to construction.

"Central Otago has the opportunity to obtain nearly $6 million in government funding to assist in the construction of the two trails. This will not happen without the assistance requested now and the ongoing support and expertise of council officers and elected members," Mr Gadd said.

ALONG THE RIVER
• Roxburgh Gorge Trail: 33km cycleway along the true right of the Clutha River between Alexandra and the Roxburgh dam, linking at either end to the Otago Central Rail Trail and proposed Clutha Gold Trail.
• Clutha Gold Trail: 73km cycleway along the true left of the Clutha River between the Roxburgh dam and Lawrence, linking at Roxburgh to the proposed Roxburgh Gorge Trail.

More...

Hide...

Two Clutha Trails In Lucky Thirteen

Lucky Thirteen New Cycle Trails Planned
Voxy News Engine, on Thursday 11 February 2010

Thirteen cycle trails got the nod today to go through to feasibility studies for inclusion in Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

Described as the `stand-out winners' from the 54 applications that applied for funding in December, the successful applicants will now have a feasibility study carried out where the vision proposed in the Concept plans will be priced and checked to ensure they can be built and that they will deliver what they promise.

The New Zealand Cycle Trail fund will contribute to the feasibility studies.

John Dunn, Programme Manager, says the calibre of all the applications was very high which made the Technical Assessment Group's job of short-listing incredibly difficult.

"I want to congratulate all the applicants on the excellent work they put into the Concepts," says Mr Dunn. "Their applications were outstanding and demonstrated a level of commitment to their regions that show how a community can be galvanised into that great Kiwi tradition of 'getting in behind' a great idea."

"Nonetheless, with a limited funding pool of $50 million dollars, prioritising the trails was important and has meant that the ones going through to feasibility are "simply superior in every way".

They are:

1. Tauranga Moana Coastal Cycle Trail (Tauranga) 2. Old Motu Coach Road (Opotiki/Gisborne) 3. Thermal by Bike (Rotorua) 4. Lake Track (Taupo) 5. Mountains to Sea Cycleway - link (Ruapehu) 6. Heretaunga Ararua: Land of a Hundred Pathways (Hawkes Bay) 7. Dun Mountain and Tasman Cycle Loop (Nelson/Tasman) 8. Old Ghost Road (West Coast) 9. Westland Wilderness Trail (Greymouth) 10. Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail (Mt Cook) 11. The Wakatipu Trail (Queenstown) 12. Roxburgh Gorge Trail (Central Otago) 13. Clutha Gold Trail (Otago)

"These applications promise trails of stunning beauty and, along with the previously announced Quick Start projects, will provide a network of about 2000 kilometres of iconic Great Rides."

Mr Dunn says that prior to being funded for construction applicants must still prove feasibility and confirm there is a sound business case.

"We want them to put their best bid forward in their feasibility study which also means confirming the co-funding for construction."

Regarding the unsuccessful applicants, Mr Dunn says the Technical Assessment Group was particularly keen that the considerable investment made by the communities in their proposals was not lost. He says many of the trails deserve to be built and encouraged the applicants to explore other funding mechanisms and options to support their vision.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed by 31 May 2010 and it is hoped that construction could begin by the end of the year. To this end, applicants will be encouraged to work alongside their regional Ministry of Social Development offices to ensure young, unemployed New Zealanders can join the work force to help construct these trails.

For information about Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trails, go to www.tourism.govt.nz/cycleway Media inquiries: Mei Taare - 04 470 2290 or 021 416 573

Additional Information (figures are amount allocated for construction from NZ Cycle Trail Fund and NZ Cycle Trail Fund Contribution to Feasibility Study):
Roxburgh Gorge Trail (Central Otago) Cycle trail on the Clutha Mata-au River, covering the 33km of the Roxburgh Gorge between Alexandra and the Roxburgh Dam. 2,000,000 15,000 Clutha Gold Trail (Otago) Off-road 73km trail in Otago running from Roxburgh to Lawrence along the Clutha Mata-au River. 3,800,000 15,000

More...

Hide...