wanaka_outlet_track.jpg
An Upper Clutha Tracks Trust survey over the holiday period found a "generally high" level of satisfaction with the existing track network, but with some definite conflicts between cyclists and walkers using the tracks.
When asked how the tracks could be improved, there was a wide range of opinions, ranging from "more dog poo bins" to becoming "more equine friendly".
It was horses for courses on suggestions too, many users wanting more native planting and better track surfaces, and then others wanting more rugged tracks — "stop making flat paths that are boring to walk on," one respondent said.
Upper Clutha Tracks Trust chairman David Howard was delighted at the overall positive tone of the survey responses.
"The responses show Upper Clutha residents enjoy easy access to the outdoors every day.
"Stories about positive impacts on people’s lives were really heartening."
The survey did confirm there was a growing conflict between walkers and cyclists, especially at the busy time of the year.
"Bikers do not always understand tracks are shared," one survey respondent said.
"There are not enough tracks just for walkers to enjoy without being constantly on the lookout for bikers travelling at unsafe speeds", said one who chose to use the track on foot.
Concerns particularly applied to the Outlet Track along the Clutha River from Lake Wānaka to Albert Town.
Some suggested providing separate tracks for each group, while others said improvements could actually encourage cyclists to go faster.
Mr Howard said catering for all groups was a central focus for the trust.
"Conflict on tracks is as old as the rocks. As a 20-year-old, I had the waggy finger pointed at me on the Outlet Track.
"I respectfully pulled the brakes and pulled my head in," he said.
E-bikes and riders of varying skill were more frequent, making the issue greater.
"I do like to think the them-and-us mentality has passed.
"An off-the-leash dog with its walker listening to the daily meditation on headphones and a novice e-biker steering like an oil tanker can get along with a bit of courtesy and consideration on both sides.
"As for a 53-year-old with a flash carbon-analogue bike, still thinking he can smash the Outlet Track, he simply needs to give himself the waggy finger or be really good at braking and smiling kindly."
Mr Howard said the trust planned to have the right tracks in the right place, which meant leaving some tracks a bit rough while keeping commuter routes smooth and wide.
The new rough track on the Hawea River true-right bank and the improved surface of the existing track on the true-left bank were two of the trust’s next projects, he said.
The trust has begun a membership drive to enable track users to play a greater part in the development of the Upper Clutha track network.
2024-25 track use survey (160 respondents)
• 72% used the tracks for walking, 67% for cycling and 23% for running.
• 87% were permanent residents and 11% were holiday home owners.
• 49% used the tracks daily and 39% weekly.
• 44 respondents said the Outlet Track was their favourite, 40 the Albert Town-Hāwea track, 22 the Luggate or Upper Clutha track, 22 the Glendhu or Millennium track, 17 the Newcastle track, 17 the Mt Iron track, 15 Deans Bank, 9 the Luggate Creek track, 9 Hikuwai track, 8 the Eely Point/Bremner Bay/Beacon Point track, 6 Sticky Forest and 5 the Gladstone track.
