Consent sought to build another track along Hāwea River

The Upper Clutha Tracks Trust has taken a big step toward expanding the region’s outdoor recreation offerings.

It has applied for resource consent and initiated fundraising efforts for a new 10km loop track that would run from Lake Hāwea Dam to Camphill Bridge and back. The track would utilize both sides of the Hāwea River.

On February 11, the trust lodged an application for consent to build a 4.5km track on the true right bank of the Hāwea River. This new route would connect with the existing Hāwea River Track on the true left bank. A Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) planner was reviewing the application.

Trust co-founder and treasurer John Wellington, said fundraising efforts were already under way, with a target of $380,000 to complete the project. The funds would go towards the new track, as well as upgrading parts of the existing Hāwea River Track on the true left bank.

"The new Hāwea River Track is planned to start at the Hāwea Dam and extend to Camphill Road," Mr Wellington said. "It will be a narrow, single-track style, similar to the Newcastle Track, designed to cater to various types of users."

Feedback gathered from a summer survey of track users highlighted the desire for a natural and minimally altered track, primarily using existing routes. Additionally, users requested that the track be accessible for adaptive bikes and strollers, while maintaining simplicity. Another major piece of feedback was the need for upgrades to a rough section of the existing track between Camphill Bridge and Butterfields Wetland, which is considered vital for commuter use.

The new track on the true right bank of the Hāwea River would stretch from the end of a 4WD track on Contact Energy Ltd land and follow a marginal strip to the "wave" carpark on Camphill Rd. While some minor vegetation clearance and smoothing of undulations would be necessary, the project was expected to have minimal environmental impact.

The Department of Conservation (Doc), Contact Energy, and the Hāwea Golf Course have all provided consent for the project, and Aukaha, representing iwi, is working toward providing their consent as well. The land for the new track is zoned as general rural, with a Wāhi Tūpuna overlay, designating it as a site of significance to Māori. Key conditions for construction include obtaining a small right of way easement through golf course land and implementing a lizard management plan.

In addition to the Hāwea River Track, Mr Wellington highlighted several other upcoming projects for the trust:

Makarora Nature Walk Extension: The official opening of an extension to a nature walk in Makarora, built through QEII covenanted private land, will take place in March. Signs are expected to be installed soon.

Cardrona Valley Track: A new track will be built from Hook Restaurant, under the Cardrona Valley Bridge on State Highway 6, linking to an existing 4WD track to Ballantyne Road. This project will also connect to the future Great Ride route linking Wānaka and Cromwell. Resource consent and DOC approval will be sought.

Peninsula Bay Track: A track is planned through Peninsula Bay, around the base of Sticky Forest, linking up with the lakefront track. Resource consent will be submitted soon, although funding for the project is still required.

Rocky Hill Track: The trust is investigating a potential walking track around Rocky Hill, near Diamond Lake.

Great Ride to Cromwell: Work continues on the proposed Great Ride route from Wānaka to Cromwell, which Wellington notes will be "the last cab off the rank."