One of the most generous financial contributors to Queenstown's network of walking and cycling trails has turned its attention to the Upper Clutha.

Adam and Anna Edgar announced earlier this month their family foundation is making a $10,000 annual donation locally - the first going towards a new track being planned by the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCTT) along the true right of the Hāwea River.

The 5km track is designed to allow walkers and cyclists to get away from the trust’s busy commuter cycle route between Wānaka and Hāwea on the other side of the river.

The UCTT says it will be simpler and more rugged than its counterpart on the other side of the river.

Resource consent has been granted for the track and the UCTT hopes to have it completed before Christmas, but it still needs to make up a funding shortfall of $63,000.

The donation for the new track is the Edgar foundation’s first contribution to the Upper Clutha and follows Adam and Anna’s move to Wānaka earlier this year with their children George, Franca, and Olympia.

“On a personal level we're keen to be involved in the Upper Clutha... just by putting our little bit into the community wherever we can,” Adam said.

Adam grew up in Dunedin where his father, the late Sir Eion Edgar, held prominent business and academic positions. Sir Eion and his wife Lady Jan Edgar moved to Queenstown about 15 years ago and became involved in many community ventures.

Adam said his father’s work was a great example for all and that he sees his role continuing what he started.  

"We have been amazingly lucky being involved in this region for so long. It’s given us a great deal and now if we can give back it’s the very least we should be doing.”

Adam says the Upper Clutha track network had "massive" potential for expansion but was "miles behind" Queenstown in terms of funding and support.

UCTT president David Howard said the trust was “especially grateful to have families like the Edgars backing our trail network and the vision of what’s possible for our community”.

He said the trust was keen to hear people’s stories “about how the tracks have added value to your life”, and asked people to share them through the ‘Contact Us’ page on the trust’s website.

PHOTO: Supplied