A new 2km walking track around the back of Omakau has opened just in time for the Christmas holiday period.

The Omakau Recreation Reserves Committee received $30,000 from the Central Otago District Council to build the track, which starts at the domain on Wildon Street before following Thomson’s Creek around the back of the town.

Committee chair Dave Cockburn said there were some nice views from the walking track that meandered around the hills before connecting with the Thomson’s Creek wetland.

“It’s a great asset for the town.”

The gravel track was established for walkers and runners, and could also be used by mountainbikers but not motor vehicles.

Central Excavation won the contract to build the track, but volunteers also put in at least 30 hours of time to map it out before they could move the ground.

“It took us quite a few months as we had to identify the track line,” he said.

During the Christmas period, fencing installed around the wetland to keep stock out would also follow the new track in some places.

An official opening would be held sometime in the New Year, once the signage was erected.

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