Kawarau Gorge Trail Update August 2024

Six months after construction started on the Kawarau Gorge Trail, over a quarter of the 27km new trail (7km) has now been formed. Two experienced contractor companies are working in five different locations within the Kawarau Gorge creating the trail. Southern Lakes Trails Trust said that it is extremely pleased with progress to date, especially during the freezing winter months.

Working with the trail contractors are ecological and archaeological experts who have been on the ground, identifying features and completing actions to protect the taonga in the gorge.

In addition, specialist rock scalers have been mitigating risks in areas of potential rock fall. They have been removing dangerous rocks to ensure that the area below is safe for contractors to work below and ultimately safe for the trail users.  Landowners, who have generously provided easements through their properties for the trail, have also started to contribute to the Kawarau Gorge Trail with enhancements to their land.

NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi has commenced construction of specialised sections of the trail around the Nevis Bluff, beginning on the from the Gibbston Valley side of the Bluff.

“We are well on target for an opening for the summer of 2025*,” said Southern Lakes Trails Trust Chair, Aaron Halstead.  “We know the riding public will be as enthusiastic as we are, however, we remind the public to stay out of hazardous work areas”, he added.

*Estimated opening in December 2025.

• Southern Lakes Trails is the Trust responsible for building the trail with funds from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust and Central Government (MBIE), committed in 2018.
• Landowners have been crucial to the project providing easements for the trail and access for construction vehicles. 
• Contractors Wilson Keen Contracting focus on main earthworks.  Ellis Mining responsible for suspension bridges and structures. Overall project management is provided by Southern Land ensuring smooth coordination and execution. 
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is the project lead on the Nevis Bluff portion of the trail.
• The new trail will connect Queenstown Trails Gibbston River Trail to the Lake Dunstan Trail in Central Otago, which then offers onward connections to the Otago Central Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails. 

About Southern Lakes Trails:

The Southern Lakes Trails is responsible for the construction of three trails in the region: Lake Dunstan Trail, Kawarau Gorge Trail and the Wanaka Link.  These ambitious projects are being made possible with co-funding totalling $26.3 million provided by Central Government, Central Lakes Trust and Otago Community Trust.  A tripartite funding agreement was signed in 2016.