The new Kimi-akau Bridge, on the yet-to-be-completed Shotover Gorge Trail, which connects Arthurs Point to Frankton, has now been fully funded.
Queenstown Trails chair Michael Walker says, in an incredibly community-wide effort, more than $965,000 has been raised by philanthropists, trail lovers and local businesses.
He pays special tribute to local businessman Rod Drury, who contributed $400,000, and the Alterno Foundation and SR McLaren Family Trust, that each gave $200,000.
Additionally, 110 trail lovers each sponsored a plank of the new bridge, contributing a collective $165,000.
"This generosity has allowed construction of what will become an icon of the Queenstown Trail — a ‘must visit’ highlight of the trail network," Walker says.
"It’s been a fantastic community effort."
Trails CEO Mark ‘Willy’ Williams says work on the new section of trail’s making good progress — the 90m suspension bridge, at Tucker Beach, has recently been completed, but isn’t yet open.
It affords "stunning" views over the Shotover River and forms a critical part of the second stage of the trail expansion project, linking the northern side of the Whakatipu Basin to the wider trails network.
Works on the Shotover Gorge Trail, including the restoration of the ‘Hugo Tunnel’ at Big Beach, funded by the Hugo Charitable Trust, are expected to be finished early next year.
