The opening of a much-anticipated trail that will link Cromwell to Queenstown could be delayed if its unauthorised use continues.

The 32-kilometre Kawarau Gorge Trail is heading towards an early 2026 opening, but that could change if the contractor building it has to continue with touch up jobs resulting from people using sections before they should.

In a statement on Monday (September 22), a spokesperson for Southern Lakes Trails, the trust behind the project, said recent incidents of people taking motorised vehicles onto completed sections of the track have caused avoidable damage to the surface. 

“The materials being used require time to settle and bed in; premature use can undo compacting work, contaminate the base, and push timelines and costs in the wrong direction.”

They said workers on the trail have kept going “through snow and shine” to get the job done on time and on budget, but this behaviour is setting them back.

“Every time someone rides a motorbike or takes a vehicle onto fresh surface, our contractor has to re-do work that has already been paid for.”

The contractor said it was “gutting” for the team to have to go back and repair work they had already completed.

The trust is asking members of the public to respect “track closed” signage as well as taped or fenced-off areas, and hold off on using the trail until it officially opens early next year.

“Cooperation now will ensure a safer, smoother riding and walking experience for everyone when the ribbon is cut.

“Please help us protect the investment and get this trail open on time.”

Bluff bridges on the under-construction Kawarau Gorge Trail link landlocked sections of the formed trail. Image: Southern Lakes Trails

The new trail is aimed at bridging the gap between Central Otago’s network of cycling trails and Queenstown’s.

Beginning/ending near Bannockburn, it follows the Kawarau River, for the large part on the opposite side to State Highway Six, opening up previously inaccessible sections of the gorge.

The trail will include two suspension bridges over the Kawarau River as well as two “bluff bridges” to link landlocked sections of trail.

At the Nevis Bluff, the New Zealand Transport Agency is building an underpass to allow cyclists and pedestrians to pass from one side of the state highway to the other, connecting the gorge trail to Gibbston.

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