User feedback that people are not prepared for the more remote and harder sections of the popular Lake Dunstan Trail has prompted development of a safety video.

Tourism Central Otago (TCO), the tourism management and marketing division of Central Otago District Council, has made the video with input from a range of stakeholders.

“The video is a result of a really positive collaboration with key stakeholders including the Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust (COQTNT), local police, search and rescue, trail operators and regional partners,“ TCO’s trails marketing executive Geoff Marks said.

The Lake Dunstan Trail has rapidly become one of the most popular cycle and walking trails in New Zealand, attracting more than 80,000 users in its first year. 

Being awarded Great Ride Status by Nga Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails (NZCT) on its first anniversary has meant NZCT user surveys are completed and provided to the trail partners for review. 

“The surveys show that although the trail was often a highlight, people needed to be better prepared for the terrain, remoteness, the challenging areas of trail, skills and fitness levels necessary to safely enjoy the Lake Dunstan Trail experience,” COQTNT chair Stephen Jeffrey said.

“We collectively reviewed the user feedback to identify and pull together the content for the clip. To ensure consistent information is available to those researching and planning their rides, we have designed the video to be distributed and used by any business or organisation promoting the trail. 

“The messages in the Lake Dunstan Trail safety video are equally relevant for any trail experience – being informed, prepared, and properly equipped is key for having a great time. I see it as being no different to taking on a tramp in the backcountry.”

Stephen said a lot of work had also been done to ensure there was good safety messaging in signage and on websites.

Watch the safety video here.

Lake Dunstan trail manager Shayne O’Connor said video was an excellent way of addressing the areas of the trail people had found most challenging.

“These include the harder sections of trail in the Cromwell Gorge, that have those tight corners, longer climbs, two-way traffic, elevation, remoteness, and changeable weather.

“What I really like about this particular trail is that it does provide variety and choices. The sections of trail from Smiths Way north of Pisa Moorings right through to Carrick Winery at Bannockburn, are wonderful grade one easy sections of trail that almost everyone can enjoy. Beyond there through the gorge section of trail you do need to be well prepared and have good bike skills to ride it safely.” 

Geoff said the trail is “an unforgettable adventure” for experienced and well-prepared riders,  but there are other options for those who don’t feel confident. 

“There’s a network of over 400km of trails including four other Great Rides between Queenstown, Central Otago and the Clutha and Dunedin regions to experience, with easier trails to help build skills and confidence before riding the Lake Dunstan Trail.” 

The Lake Dunstan Trail officially opened in May 2021. It offers 55km of riding, from Smiths Way (north of Pisa Moorings) to Clyde. The trail between Smiths Way and Carrick Winery at Bannockburn is grade 1 – the easiest grade for cycle trails. Beyond Carrick Winery through the Cromwell Gorge to Clyde includes grade 2 – 3 sections.

Find out more about different trail grades here.