Waihola to Wingatui cycleway proposed

Story via the Otago Daily Times

Wheels are in motion to link up Dunedin with the Clutha Gold cycle trail through an off-road route. A $36,000 study is to be conducted into the feasibility of a route between Waihola and Wingatui, potentially enabling future cyclists to travel from Queenstown to Dunedin, entirely off-road.

The concept for the proposed cycling and walking trail from Waihola to Wingatui includes use of stopbanks and it would link up with the planned route between Mosgiel and Dunedin that features two old railway tunnels.

Taieri Trails Group trust chairman Colin Brown said the study would establish where the Waihola-to-Wingatui route could run, potential options for the trail and projected costs. The Dunedin Tracks Network Trust had received confirmation of a $36,000 grant from the Lottery Grants Board for the study, he said. The study could take six months to complete, he said.

Discussions would need to be held with farmers about use of stopbanks and the Otago Regional Council would have to be satisfied stopbanks would not be compromised by the proposed trail. Mr Brown anticipated some floodbanks could not be used.

Economic benefits of cycle trails had been well established and they were a drawcard for international and domestic tourists, he said. The broader vision is for cyclists to be able to leave Queenstown and Wanaka and ride to Dunedin, without riding on roads. Mr Brown said the proposed Taieri route would be relatively flat. If the concept was approved and permission obtained, cyclists could leave Waihola by Titri Rd, travel under the Waipori River bridge and over the old Henley ferry bridge and on to the true right bank at the Taieri River and continue to Outram and then Mosgiel.

The Dunedin Tracks Network Trust also secured funding at the end of last year for a feasibility study of a proposed trail connecting coastal communities north of Dunedin.