Counters on key shared paths and lakeside trails show an increase in walkers and bikers over the recent holiday period compared to the same time a year ago. 

Active Transport Wānaka spokesperson Simon Telfer said the gradual construction of the path and trail network is encouraging more people to choose to walk and bike to get around town. 

“It’s making it easier and more enjoyable for both residents and visitors,” he said.

For the period December 23, 2023 to January 2, 2024, the lakefront shared path (near the marina and boardwalk) saw a 10 percent increase in people walking compared to the same period last year. 

This was accompanied by a six percent increase in people biking on the path. 

“It was phenomenal to see 4,200 people movements on the path on 31 December alone,” Simon said.

A new one-day record of 1,090 bike movements on the pathway was counted on December 29.  

“Such high usage justifies us continuing to push QLDC [Queenstown Lakes District Council] to deliver the marina to Wānaka Yacht Club section of the pathway before winter this year,” Simon said.

Numbers on the Aubrey Road shared path were also significantly higher, with the number of people walking up 39 percent on the same holiday period last year and people biking up 18 percent. 

A one day record of 740 bike movements on this pathway was recorded on December 31.

“Some of the Aubrey Rd increase will be due to the opening of the Anderson Road shared path last month,” Simon said.

“It’s great seeing QLDC funded infrastructure being so heavily used and that climate action is being supported by visitors and the community alike.”

PHOTO: Supplied