Whilst we've enjoyed a warm, dry summer on the Queenstown Trails, it has been heart-breaking to see the damage and devastation from the terrible flooding in Auckland and Hawkes Bay. Our thoughts are with all those people, businesses and trails affected by the recent extreme weather.
Climate Change is becoming very tangible all around the world, so we are particularly pleased to hear that meaningful active transport infrastructure to encourage people to shift away from their cars is on the way. Big ups to Waka Kotahi for recognising the Jim's Way over bridge will be an important part of encouraging behavioural change in our community and helping to support DQ's vision of Carbon Zero 2030.
Good news in the Trail space is that construction for the Wharehuanui (Arrowtown to Arthurs Point) Trail began in the first week of March. This will be fantastic addition to our network, and will link the Coronet Peak/Mahu Whenua MTB trails right back to the pub for an after-ride refreshment! The next section of trail between Arthurs Point and Tucker Beach will begin later in 2023.
And finally, how good was it to see the crowds back for the Motatapu event last weekend? We're just over the moon for Gemma, Craig and the Motatapu team who put on another spectacular and well-organised event, bringing together athletes and like-mined souls from around New Zealand to experience our incredible backyard. How lucky are we?!
Mark Williams, CEO Queenstown Trails
Welcome Emily
Queenstown Trails is delighted to welcome Emily O'Leary to the team as our new Official Partnerships Coordinator.
"Having worked for innovative and internationally renowned NZ brands such as Trilogy and Icebreaker, I'm delighted to bring my partnership and sales skills to the Queenstown Trails. I have lived in the region for many years now and have witnessed our network of trails expand, the businesses servicing the trails grow and diversify and number of people enjoying them increase.
As an avid user both on foot and two wheels, I am super passionate about sharing all the benefits that time on the trails brings to not only trail users, but also the eco system of business along the trail. I am looking forward to working with our amazing Official Partners so please feel free to contact me any time".
- Emily O'Leary
The Latest News from the Trail:
Arrowtown to Arthurs Point
Work is underway for the Arrowtown to Arthurs Point Trail. M3 have begun construction at Coronet Peak Station and it is super exciting to see this trail being forged after all the hard work in recent months. Completion of the Arrowtown to Arthurs Point Trail is expect by Christmas 2023.
Coronet Loop Fire
Coronet Loop, Pack Sack and Track and Pack Track were closed back in January due to a large fire that started in Long Gully. The fire was quickly controlled and contained thanks to the sterling efforts of the fire crews, and luckily no serious damage was incurred.
Upper Hot Rod
Work was completed, and Upper Hot Rod was opened by Jo Booker on 22 Jan for the Coro 1200 race. The track is bedding in nicely and riding very well. Upper Hot Rod is an epic addition of flow trail linking the bottom of Rude Rock into Hot Rod.
Jims Way Bridge
Waka Kotahi has announced the approval of funding of a bridge at Jims Way, to provide a safe crossing of SH6 to Frankton. Queenstown Trails is proud to have been involved in advocating for a safe way for our community to cross the busy state highway that intersects our trails.
Good Morning America
Willy (Queenstown Trails CEO) hosted Good Morning America's Robin Roberts for a wander on the trails around Bobs Cove. The segment aired globally with over 3 million people seeing it world wide! Pretty amazing to get to share our slice of paradise with such a massive audience.
Motatapu 2023
It was fantastic to see the Motatapu Off-Road Event back up and running for 2023. After a challenging couple of years with Covid restrictions and event postponements, seeing the finish line back at Wilcox Green, as well as so many competitors enjoying the riding and running was really rewarding.
Close to 4000 mountain bikers, runners and walkers lined up across the six events, which see competitors traversing the Motatapu, Mt Soho and Glencoe Stations.
In addition to the classic mountain bike and running events, 2023 was the inaugural Coronet Loop Race take place, with utterly blistering performances taking out the top places. Several members of the Queenstown Trails team had a crack at the Coronet Loop Race, an epic course taking in the full Loop, as well as a sneaky sojourn down Hot Rod. A year on from its completion, the Coronet Loop trail had become well established, and is riding beautifully.
"Coronet Loop was absolutely stunning, I had a wonderful day out there" -Sam Shaw, Coronet Loop Winner
Motatapu continues to support Queenstown Trails as the official charity of the event. As part of our long-standing partnership, Motatapu donates $7 to the Queenstown Trails for every event entry, and they also accept additional donations during registration. These funds go directly back into maintaining and expanding the local trail network.
Congratulations to Gemma and Craig for your resilience over the last few years, and for championing the Motatapu Events, which are so vital to our community. We are already looking forward to 2024.
BE TRAIL SAFE.
Keep yourself safe when you're out enjoying the trails. The Queenstown Trails website contains heaps of safety info, but our top tips for getting the most out of your time on the trails include:
Know before you go - check out the info on the Queenstown Trails website about where you will be riding, and what you can expect when you're out on the trails
Check the weather - the crazy-beautiful alpine environment of Queenstown, means we get some crazy and changeable weather. Check the forecast and ensure you're prepared with extra layers, sunscreen and water to ensure you get maximal fun from your trail journey
Keep in touch - carry a phone, not only will you be encountering breath-taking vistas around every corner, but the cell phone coverage for most of the trail means you can keep in touch, and have communications if you need them
If in doubt, walk it out - if you encounter a section of the trail with a trail surface or terrain that you are not comfortable to ride, hop off your bike and walk that section
