Roys Peak Track access upgrade to begin shortly

Work to upgrade the popular Roys Peak Track vehicle facilities will begin this week.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) will be extending and sealing the track’s car park while Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) widens the road to make it safer for vehicles using the car park.

Work will be underway at the site beginning this week, with the track scheduled to be closed to the public until mid-November.

Roys Peak Track is one of the most popular day walks in the country with 58,000 visitors using the track between November 2016 and July 2017. In recognition of this, the walk has been selected for inclusion in DOC’s new network offering some of New Zealand’s best Day Hikes.

Mike Tubbs, DOC Operations Manager, Central Otago District, says its inclusion in the network is a huge benefit for the future of the track. “It ensures Roys Peak Track has the right infrastructure in place to maintain a great experience for its users. It’s also recognition that this track provides an exceptional walking experience that meets people’s needs and expectations.”

“This work has been timed to minimise the impact on track users and coincides with the normal closure of the track for lambing on Alphaburn Station and to ensure it is ready for the peak summer tourist season.”

QLDC Senior Project Manager Rob Darby says the work will make a huge difference to the safety and accessibility of the start of this very popular track.

“QLDC will work to upgrade the vehicle entrance to the car park by constructing a slip lane and additional widening on the opposing side of the road in line with current safety standards.”

DOC has purchased the land to be used for the extension of the carpark from the owners of Alphaburn Station which will double the capacity of the car park to 100 vehicles.

QLDC are also constructing a gravel track linking the Roys Peak Track car park to the Damper Bay Track located 500 metres to the east on Mt Aspiring Road and which leads down to the lakeside. This will provide a safer means for walkers to move between the two tracks.

ENDS

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