The Southern Lakes Trails announced yesterday in a statement, construction on the missing section of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail will begin later this year, marking a significant milestone in a project.
The announcement follows the successful negotiation of a trail alignment agreement that had overcome numerous challenges, the statement said.
It had been a tough road to come so far with key input from Roxburgh Gorge Trail Trust secretary Barrie Wills, Southern Lakes Trails chief executive Janeen Wood, Gorge Creek Station owner James Russell, along with MPs, Land Information NZ and the Department of Conservation.
The gorge plan was originally mooted nearly 20 years ago, and negotiations have been going on for more than 10 years.
Trail users have been forced to use a boat to travel the mid-section of the trail. Only the sections at both ends had been completed — from Alexandra to Doctors Point and from Roxburgh Dam to Shingle Creek.
Mr Russell was relieved the long wait was over and people would get to experience the rugged gorge terrain.
"Once we removed the clowns, the bullies and well-intentioned people who didn’t fully understand the implications, all it took was the right people working together towards balanced solutions," he said.
Dr Wills, who had been involved in the trail from its inception, said he was excited by the project’s progress.
"After more than a decade of patiently working on maintaining the existing trail and planning to complete ‘the Gap’, it is gratifying to be working with the landowners to get that last 13km constructed," he said.
Dr Wills said Roxburgh Gorge Trail had always had brilliant feedback from cyclists and walkers alike.
"The landscape, flora and fauna is special and we look forward to providing decades more of this great Central Otago experience to all."
The jetboat option, offering spectacular views and historical insights of the gorge, will remain available for those wishing to experience the beauty from the water or who prefer not to cycle the full trail.
Upon completion, the Roxburgh Gorge Trail will cover 34km, providing a crucial link in the broader vision of a continuous cycling network from Queenstown to Waihola.
The entire network is planned to cover 280km, offering an extensive, interconnected trail system for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Ms Wood expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the project, particularly the Miller family, who farm the neighbouring property and have supported the completion of the trail.
"We’re thrilled to be working with such dedicated partners to bring this vision to life and offer a world-class experience to all those who visit the trail in the years to come."
Southern Lakes Trails was confident the addition of the missing section will ensure the Roxburgh Gorge Trail is set to provide decades more enjoyment for visitors to Central Otago.
— APL
