Preliminary work on cycle trail moves along

Monday, 17 August 2009

Southlanders will soon find out more detail about the Around the Mountain cycle trail.

Venture Southland community development group manager Rex Capil said MWH is preparing an engineering feasibility and construction cost study on the trail and this will assist in determining the possible route for the trail. This study is funded by the Ministry of Tourism.

"Venture Southland, the Southland District Council, Environment Southland, Invercargill City Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council are at present working with the Ministry of Tourism on the development of this trail. The councils and Venture are also looking at a partnering trail from Lumsden to Bluff," Mr Capil said.

Once these details, the MWH report and a business case feasibility report are considered, meetings with the communities and businesses will be held to discuss the trail and possible input into its developments.

"There has been significant positive support from the Southland community for the trail and we are looking at ways that individuals and the community can help with the development of the trail, including employment opportunities and research into local historical sites," Mr Capil said.

"Sections of the proposed trail are already popular cycle tours, with about 1000 international visitors a year cycling from Walter Peak to Mavora Lakes and onwards. We are also aware that a number of cycle tourists ride from Kingston through to Te Anau or the Catlins.

"The quick start trail announced by the Prime Minister will hopefully build on this interest and provide a high quality experience for locals and tourists alike."

A final decision on the trail will be made once the Ministry of Tourism and the local authorities have finished investigating fully the merits and viability of it.

For more information please contact:

Rex Capil

Venture Southland

Ph: (03) 211 1406 

Who to contact

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Southland District Council
P.O. Box 903
Invercargill 9840
Phone: 0800 732 732
Fax: 0800 732 329
emailsdc@southlanddc.govt.nz