The Queenstown Trail has been given a $12,000 boost a fortnight before its official opening.
The network of more than 110km connecting Queenstown, Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Lake Hayes Estate, Arrowtown and Gibbston is due to be officially opened near Arrowtown on October 18.
This week, the Wharf Casino Trust, associated with Lasseters Wharf Casino in Queenstown, announced the donation which would help fund the final cost of the $5.4 million trail.
Trust chairwoman Vickie Hill said the trust wanted to make a grant to a community venture which was "both far-reaching and made a difference".
"Our criteria are that a grant must go towards something that is not only Wakatipu-based, but is beneficial to a wide cross-section of the population and the ... Queenstown Trail ticks all the boxes."
Ms Hill said it was "an absolute asset" to the community and would benefit all sectors - from children to the disabled and elderly.
"We have been so impressed at the high calibre of this project and the commitment that has gone into providing a network of trails through the Wakatipu that suit all age groups and levels of fitness."
Queenstown Trails Trust chief executive Kaye Parker was thrilled with the donation, which would assist in funding the outstanding $195,000 required.
"We are indebted to the trustees for their support and their obvious enthusiasm for the development of the Queenstown Trail.
"This kind of support will assist us in completing the trail to the high standard we have aspired to."
She told the Otago Daily Times yesterday the trust now had about $97,500 to raise.
"It [the fundraising] is going really well. I am determined to get there within two weeks."
Mrs Parker said the "Friends of the Trust" had been hugely generous, giving about $10,000 in the past two weeks.
The money was required to finish the trail, with "some issues" arising on the upper Kawarau section, below Remarkables Park.
"When there are issues, it usually means more money ... we want to do a good job and there are indications there may be some extra costs."
