Kawarau Gorge Trail a Step Closer

October 5, 2023 

The ambitious construction of the Kawarau Gorge Trail, linking Queenstown to Cromwell, has moved a step close to realisation. Southern Land Development Consultants has recently been awarded the project management contract.

Southern Lakes Trails Chair Aaron Halstead, expressed enthusiasm over the award, stating, "The selection of Southern Land through a rigorous and competitive tender process is a testament to their expertise and capability. We are pleased to have them on board to steer the construction of this groundbreaking trail." 

Stretching over 32 kilometres of awe-inspiring and often challenging terrain, the trail will commence at the Nevis Bluff, seamlessly integrating with Queenstown Trails at Gibbston Valley, and traverse its way to Bannockburn, near Cromwell. 

Southern Lakes Trails is partnering with Waka Kotahi – NZ Transport Agency on the construction immediately around the Nevis Bluff.  This partnership will yield two remarkable features: a trail beneath the road level around the Bluff and an underpass beneath the State Highway 6, near Oxbow Adventure Co.  

Dave Howard, Southern Land’s Trail Designer/Project Manager is both humbled and excited to be part of delivering this trail for the community and visitors.   “The beauty of these trails is allowing people to experience nature, culture and history, and the Kawarau Gorge has plenty to offer on these three fronts.  The Kawarau Gorge is packed with amazing terrain that will deliver a truly memorable experience for generations to come. The remote location will provide some challenges for our contractors but nothing that has not been overcome in other locations. We are looking forward to continued work with the generous landowners, and the ecological, archaeological and geotechnical teams to deliver something truly special”. 

Southern Land was involved in the preliminary feasibility studies on the proposed Kawarau Gorge Trail.  

The Kawarau Gorge Trail forms part of a wider network of over 500km of trails for cyclists linking Queenstown to Dunedin. 

The building of the new trail is expected to start in early 2024 and is likely to take two years to build.  

Southern Lakes Trails was formerly known as the Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust.

The Southern Lakes Trails is responsible for the construction of three trails in the region: Lake Dunstan Trail, Kawarau Gorge Trail and the Wanaka Link.  These ambitious projects are being made possible with co-funding totalling $26.3 million provided by Central Government, Central Lakes Trust and Otago Community Council.

The highly successful Lake Dunstan trail opened on 31st May 2019 and has welcomed over 150 000 riders.