An all ages and abilities trail riding event which offers exclusive access to private high country farmland will return to Wānaka next month.

The Wānaka Trail Ride, which will take place on April 1, is a fundraiser for the community and event manager Phil Pendelbury said organisers are looking for more volunteers to help make the community event possible. 

“It’s great to see so many familiar faces back again this year to join us on the marshalling team, but there’s still a few gaps to fill,” Phil said.

“All up, we’ll have around 40 marshals on the day. Anyone who is a keen trail rider and wants to be part of a fantastic experience should get in touch.”

Volunteer marshals at Wānaka Trail Ride.

The event is entirely volunteer-run and the marshalling team plays a crucial role in maintaining the high levels of safety the ride is known for, Phil said.

There are a range of other positions keen locals could fill.

“Roles cover everything from marshalling the young riders on the pee wee track to working in the communications tent in the base paddock through to setting up and marking trails prior to the event.”

One of the drawcards of the event is the rare access to Deep Creek, Long Gully and Lindis Peak farmland, and Phil said because these are working farms a lot of work goes into clearing growth and other jobs to prepare.

This year’s event will be the seventh Wānaka Trail Ride. The event has now raised over $140,000 for Wānaka Primary School, Montessori Children’s House Wānaka, Tarras School, and the RSA Appeal.

During the event young riders have a free pee wee track at the base paddock while a range of the backcountry trails cover family, intermediate, and advanced levels, with expert single trails on the tops.

Phil said he expects a bumper turnout this year after the cancellation of last year’s trail ride due to Covid-19.

Visit the Wānaka Trail Ride website to sign up for the race or for a volunteer position.

PHOTOS: Tonia Kraakman