Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project will sign its contract for the new Roxburgh Gorge Trail at a formal event in Alexandra today.
The trail is a joint initiative of Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust and The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.
New Zealand Cycle Trail Programme Manager John Dunn says the Government is investing in the new trail to encourage increased economic activity and employment in the Central Otago region.
“The Roxburgh Gorge Trail will be a spectacular one-day cycle ride between Alexandra and the Roxburgh Dam along the Clutha Mata-au River,” Mr Dunn says.
“The Roxburgh Gorge has bluffs rising almost 350 metres on either side of the river at its most dramatic point and has been described as New Zealand’s own ‘Grand Canyon’. Opening up this gorge, which has no road access, will open up access to a truly iconic environment.
“I think that the opportunity to explore well preserved mining relics set within an imposing and inspiring landscape is something that will really appeal to people,” Mr Dunn says.
Central Otago District Council Mayor elect Tony Lepper says this is an exciting addition to our trail network, traversing a fantastically remote part of our district which boasts a rich cultural heritage. “I am sure that the Alexandra and Roxburgh communities will seize this opportunity to develop another vibrant attraction for visitors to Central Otago,” Mr Lepper says.
Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust Chairman Stephen Jeffery says an idea that came out of community consultation, researched by the combined Community Boards of Roxburgh and Vincent will now become possible thanks to funding from the New Zealand Cycle Trail project. “The economic benefits will be significant and have the potential to revitalise business in the Teviot Valley,” Mr Jeffery says.
The 34km Roxburgh Gorge Trail starts in Alexandra and follows the Clutha Mata-au River through the Roxburgh Gorge to the Roxburgh Dam, linking with the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail.
Within a short distance from Alexandra the trail heads into the gorge. Along the trail are old schist huts built into the rock by Chinese miners and remains of two small mining settlements. Near Roxburgh Dam the hills become less steep and the swirling currents of the river are replaced by the still waters of Lake Roxburgh.
“The Roxburgh Gorge Trail will be one of a series of 18 Great Rides under Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail that will showcase the very best that New Zealand has to offer in terms of landscape, culture and communities,” Mr Dunn says.
“The latest edition of Lonely Planet has already rated the Otago Peninsula as one of the best cycling destinations in the world. The confirmation of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, along with the nearby Clutha Gold and Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trails can only add to this outstanding reputation,” Mr Dunn added.
