The public reaction had been as expected, with a large number of runners, walkers and cyclists using the trail, Queenstown Lakes District Council community services general manager Paul Wilson said.
The QLDC recorded 2228 people had crossed the Edgar bridge near the Arrow River during Labour Weekend and a further 823 used the section from lower Shotover bridge to Morven Ferry Rd.
However, the numbers could be double-ups of the same people or of those crossing the bridges on return routes.
"It was great to see so many people giving the trail a go over the weekend, particularly the large number of family groups and novice riders," Mr Wilson said.
Trails Trust chief executive Kaye Parker was out on the trail at the weekend and said the atmosphere and increase in numbers was "amazing".
The $5.4 million Queenstown Trail has been planned since 2009 and will become part of Prime Minister John Key's $50 million nationwide cycling initiative.
Mr Key officially opened the trail last Thursday and Mrs Parker predicted the return for the Government's $2 million and the local contribution of $3 million would be $25 million generated by tourists over five years.
This was calculated by multiplying the average spending of $185 per tourist per day and the estimated 25,000 visitors per year over five years.
The final section of the trail is still to be completed near Remarkables Park and Mrs Parker would assess a completion date upon her return from a Melbourne holiday.
The council would continue to monitor numbers to determine the economic impact of the trail.
