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The Kawarau Gorge is buzzing with activity as construction of the 32km Kawarau Gorge Trail kicks into high gear, according to the Southern Lakes Trails trust.
Earthmoving diggers can now be seen from the road SH 6, between Queenstown and Cromwell, as they create the trail at Sam’s Flat area, within the Kawarau Gorge.
This area is named after Samuel Roberts who lived in a nearby hut with his family while employed as a rabbiter on Mt Difficulty Station about 80 years ago.
This follows meticulous pre-construction planning and preparations since the contractors Wilson Keen Contracting and Ellis Mining Ltd were appointed in December 2023.
They were soon able to forge access into previously land-locked areas to start the trail earthworks.
Since the New Year, specialists have also been descending into the Gorge. Archaeologists have identified historic and heritage features, ecologists have marked native plants to be protected and herpetologists have actively been moving lizards into their new, safe ‘lizard hotel’, reflecting the Trust’s commitment to heritage and environmental stewardship.
The trustees of Southern Lakes Trails are thrilled to be making excellent progress with the start of the Kawarau Gorge Trail build.
“Multiple stakeholders and parties have come together to realise the vision we have long held for our communities, to build a cycling and walking trail from Gibbston Valley to Bannockburn, which will allow users to explore an incredible piece of New Zealand history and environment,” says Chair Aaron Halstead.
Trail design features will include riding on bluff bridges around the edge of the Kawarau River, past rapids unseen from the road and a spectacular view up the mouth of the Nevis River.
Ultimately, trail riders will criss-cross the Kawarau River via two major suspension bridges: one downstream of the Victoria Bridge and another at Citroen Rapid.
The Kawarau Gorge Trail is expected to take two years to build.
