"We are so fortunate that Henry and others like him, who will also finalise their own track easements soon, are willing to step up and offer the use of their land to the public.
"Those who live here and those who visit our district will be the lucky beneficiaries of their generosity."
Mr van Asch, co-founder of Bungy and owner of van Asch wines, said he was keen to see people using the track when the Gibbston Harvest Festival is held at the Winehouse & Kitchen on March 21.
"We're delighted to get behind this fantastic asset for Queenstown and particularly the Gibbston community.
"This track will provide much pleasure to lots of people for many years to come," he said.
Transpower recently approved a $30,000 grant for track construction, and the Ron D. & E. A. Greenwood Environmental Trust sent the group a cheque for $1000.
Mrs Stevens said six grant applications would be considered in the next two weeks, but even if they were all approved, a shortfall of $40,000 would remain.
To make up the difference, the group was running a fundraising initiative that would see memorial plaques installed on one of the Gibbston River Trail bridges.
"The Transpower grant is for a 22m-long steel bridge across Camp Creek.
We call it the Bridge of Sighs, for two reasons. First, the views are destined to produce sighs.
Standing on the bridge and looking down between the schist rock faces to Camp Creek or out to the sparkling turquoise of the Kawarau River is truly dramatic.
"The second reason is because we will breathe a huge sigh of relief when we have raised the funding shortfall needed to complete the Gibbston River Trail," Mrs Stevens said.
Anyone wanting to buy a plaque for $1000 or donate towards the trail can contact Mrs Stevens at terymesu@xtra.co.nz or (03) 441-8919.
Donations are tax deductible.
