A survey of local track users which found that people want a range of styles of walking and cycling track was one of the reasons for a proposed new loop track along the Hāwea River.

The Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCTT) has submitted a resource consent application for a 4.8km long public walking and cycling track on the true right bank of the Hāwea River from the Hāwea Dam to Camphill Road.

Upper Clutha Tracks Trust spokesperson John Wellington told the Wānaka App the trust “always tried to create different styles of track”, and the loop track would provide a “simpler track for those who like a bit of a challenge”.

It would also be suitable for walkers and “rugged” strollers, he said.

If the application is approved and receives funding, John said, the trust hopes to develop the track over the winter to be ready for use in late spring and early summer.

“Funding applications are going in now and we would hope to hear in June,” he said.

John said the trust is “reasonably confident” it will gain resource consent. The trust consulted with landowners in the area a year ago and did its best to incorporate their feedback in the proposal, he added.

Ninety-nine percent of the track is on the marginal strip, which is in place to allow access, John said.

Where the proposed track isn’t on public land, the trust either has permission from the landowner or has an alternative option, he said.

The UCTT also plans to upgrade a section of the Hāwea River Track from Camphill Bridge to Butterfields Wetland.

“That section is pretty rough,” John said. It meets the standards of when it was built (2009), but the commuter standard is now higher, he said, citing the Devon Link as an example.

The Hāwea River Track is now the busiest track in the network - apart from the Outlet Track, John said.

Queenstown Lakes District Council is currently considering the trust’s application for consent to undertake earthworks and vegetation clearance to construct the proposed loop track.

If completed, the new track could be combined with the Hāwea River Track on the true left bank to form a 10km loop. 

PHOTO: Wānaka App