After receiving two huge donations, construction of the Buckler Burn Trail, including "an iconic suspension bridge", will start on time next month.
The ‘Hugo Glenorchy Bridge’ will connect the Glenorchy township to the Whakaari Conservation Park — its name is a reference to the Hugo Charitable Trust, which has granted $175,000 to fund its construction.
Hugo’s investment in the bridge is "transformative" for the project and the community, Glenorchy Trails Trust chair Steve Hewland says.
"Their generosity and belief in our vision will leave a lasting legacy, providing a vital link for residents and visitors to enjoy the spectacular trails and natural beauty of Glenorchy."
The trust’s also recently been awarded $220,000 from the Lotteries Community Facilities Fund — the largest grant application in the trust’s history.
That money means the full cost of the Buckler Burn Trail and bridge is covered — previous contributions have been made by Community Trust South, Central Lakes Trust, Glenorchy Community Trust, Alexander McMillan, Queenstown’s council, and numerous individuals.
"This milestone represents not just the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration, but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Glenorchy community," Hewland says.
The new trail and bridge also marks the start of a much larger project — a proposed 50km trail connecting Glenorchy to Queenstown. Once that’s realised, Hewland says, it’ll create one of the most scenic trails in the world.
