Lake Dunstan Trail Celebrates Five Years of Success

Janeen Wood, Chief Executive of Southern Lakes Trails, acknowledged the many people and organisations involved in transforming the original vision into reality.

“The idea for a trail connecting Cromwell and Clyde first appeared in the 2008 Cromwell Community Plan,” said Wood. “From there, it grew into a much bigger vision for a connected network of trails across Central Otago.”

Wood recognised the early support of Central Lakes Trust, whose funding enabled feasibility studies, along with the leadership of the late Sir Eoin Edgar and Kaye Parker from Queenstown Trails Trust, who championed the concept of a 500km-plus regional trail network.

Funding for the wider network was confirmed in 2016, with construction of the Lake Dunstan Trail beginning in 2018 as the first project in the plan.

The 55km trail from Smiths Way to Clyde took two years to build, including the spectacular 42km section between Cromwell Heritage Precinct and Clyde Heritage Precinct that hugs the edge of Lake Dunstan through dramatic cliff faces and hill country.

“The trail was ambitious from the start,” said Wood. “We wanted people to experience the true edge of the lake, and trail designer Tim Dennis from Southernland created a route that is both rewarding and unforgettable.”

The project relied on extensive collaboration between contractors, community groups, landowners and volunteers.

Geoff Ellis and the EML team constructed the trail’s now-famous bluff bridges suspended above the lake, while M3 Contracting built the remote Clyde to Cornish Point section, transporting equipment and gravel by barge to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. WKC completed major earthworks and retaining walls through Cromwell, Pisa Moorings and toward Cornish Point.

Community groups also played a key role. Cromwell MenzShed built kiosks, seating, sign frames and shelters, while Cromwell Mountain Bike Club and Cromwell Lions assisted with installations and enhancements around the Heritage Precinct.

Since opening, more than 285,000 users have been recorded on the trail, far surpassing original forecasts. Local operators have further enhanced the visitor experience by providing bike hire, shuttles and boat transfers.

“The scenery, engineering and sense of adventure continue to be the highlights for visitors,” said Wood.

The trail has also become a valued recreational link for locals, connecting Cromwell, Pisa Moorings and Bannockburn, with usage numbers continuing to grow.

Environmental groups have added to the legacy of the trail, with Mokihi Trust undertaking native planting projects and Predator Free Cromwell planning trapping programmes alongside sections of the route.

Tourism Central Otago has also played a major role in promoting the trail through photography, storytelling and regional marketing, helping establish Lake Dunstan Trail as the 23rd Ngā Haerenga Great Ride.

Maintaining the trail remains a major focus for Southern Lakes Trails. Ongoing maintenance is supported through funding originally ring-fenced by Central Lakes Trust, public donations and contributions from Approved Operators, who return $5 per rider back to the trail network.

Looking ahead, Southern Lakes Trails is preparing for the opening of the Kawarau Gorge Trail — the next major project in the regional trail network.

“Our vision has always been bigger than one trail,” said Wood. “The success of Lake Dunstan Trail has shown what is possible when communities, funders, contractors and supporters all work together.”