Mountain bikers, trail runners, walkers, horse riders and paragliders are all invited to get a taste of a new trail network near Arrowtown next month when it’s unveiled to the community for the first time.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), alongside lead contractor Te Tapu o Tāne and trail funding partner Tāhuna Ride and Conservation (TRAC), is opening the Project Tohu restoration site gates – weather permitting – on the weekend of 7-8 March.

QLDC General Manager Community Services Kenneth Bailey can’t wait to showcase the progress that has been made on the Project Tohu site, situated on the slopes of Coronet Peak, with the community.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming all these groups on this special preview weekend. It’s a great opportunity to stretch your legs, test your wheels, saddle up, or simply take in the landscape while seeing the mahi that’s gone into building these trails,” said Mr Bailey.

“This is a unique opportunity to experience 12km of new trails, ranging from grade 3 to 6, before the wider network officially opens next year. The trail network winds across the hillside, offering stunning views, varied terrain, and a first look at the regeneration work happening across the site,” he said.

The Project Tohu team, alongside TRAC, has spent months shaping the network; carving routes, armoring slopes, and preparing the area for future public use.

TRAC founder Rod Drury is thrilled to welcome the community for a first look and shares the positive impact of philanthropy and public investment working together.

“Investment in projects like the Project Tohu Trail network, alongside international events such as Natural Selection on Mount Dewer, is helping position Queenstown as a must-do riding destination. In a climate where ratepayer funding is under pressure, and being stretched across multiple priority areas, this kind of targeted investment and collaboration is what gets projects over the line,” said Mr Drury.

“Delivering a trail network on this scale will help ignite what we believe will become one of the most sought-after riding destinations in Aotearoa, if not the world. The scope is huge, and it’s incredibly exciting. This long-term vision creates extraordinary opportunities — with world-class trails woven through large-scale restoration,” he said.

The trail construction, under the site management of Te Tapu o Tāne, is being delivered by a team of world-leading trail builders. Local crews Elevate, Dirt Design, Dirt Dynamics, Flux and Southstar are joined by internationally renowned Sam Hill Signature Trails, bringing their expertise and unique style to the project.

Wakatipu Riding Club President Kaye Eden said the club was delighted to be returning to the Coronet site where horse riders previously had access.

“Our members and horse riders across the district are thrilled to be back in the saddle at Coronet. Opportunities to ride in public places are extremely limited and with roads no longer safe for horses, having access to this area again is incredibly valuable.”

Mr Bailey mentions the importance of community collaboration efforts to reach this milestone.

“We’d like to thank the Coronet Recreational Working Group, which has representatives of local groups and organisations that use this area, for sharing our vision and dedicating many volunteer hours at the outset to help to kick off the trail network project.”

Mr Bailey said it was important that everyone taking part follow the guidelines set out by event organisers to ensure the site was enjoyed safely.

“This is an ex-forestry site and an active worksite for the Project Tohu revegetation programme, so we’ve put measures in place to ensure all enjoy the time they spend exploring the area. There are specific times the trails will be open to different user groups and guidelines for how these groups access the site,” he said.

“Take the opportunity to be the first to help ride in the new trails! Please be mindful of softer, uneven surface conditions and hazards such as residue slash, steep faces and drop offs. Keep to marked trails and respect closed areas due to ongoing restoration works.”

Read all the details of the event including how to access the site and FAQs at www.qldc.govt.nz/project-tohu-trail-network

The Flight Park Café will be open across the weekend providing food and refreshments.

Following the community open weekend, the site will close as large-scale planting and restoration work continues during Autumn along with the construction of further trails. The closing of the trail network to the public is essential to ensure the safety of contractors working on site. It is also vital to protect newly planted areas while the landscape establishes. Future trail network open day opportunities will be shared with the community following the planting season.

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