There is less than a month remaining before the GCT could be forced to begin returning grants, and chairwoman Susan Stevens has had some sleepless nights as she prepares for next week's fundraising auction at Millbrook Resort.
However, the generosity of Wakatipu and Gibbston residents and businesses had provided a stellar line-up of items and events for people to bid on and the sponsorship of benches and picnic tables along the trail continued to bring in funds.
"I just can't get over it," Ms Stevens said.
"We have had amazing support [getting auction items]. Now we need people to turn up and bid on them."
Tickets to the auction cost $100, which is also a tax-deductible donation to the river trail, Ms Stevens said.
Items "run the gamut" from power company vouchers to locally produced wines, including the Gibbston Red Trial, which will be auctioned before it has left the barrel.
Other rarities on offer are mixed cases of pinot noir from Sam Neill's first vineyard dedicated entirely to premium pinot noir.
None of the wine, with vintages ranging from 2002 to 2007, is available either in stores or from the cellar door.
There are also events, such as a combination of bungy, wine and food for four people, from The Winehouse and Kitchen and AJ Hackett Bungy.
Ms Stevens said the evening promises to be "a really fun event" with good food, wine and entertainment.
The trail, which will pass through historic gold-mining sites along the Kawarau River, had been made possible by the generosity of nine Gibbston landowners who had granted easements along the way.
"They have bought this rural land . . . and are allowing access to everyone," she said.
"I hope people will support their generosity.' To buy a ticket or to find out more about sponsoring benches or picnic tables, contact Susan Stevens at terymesu@xtra.co.nz or call her on (03) 441-8919.
