The patron of the Wakatipu Trails Trust is urging the community to support a major fundraiser next month, to help raise $1.8 million towards completing the 109km Wakatipu Trail.
The Ministry of Tourism recently granted funds to the trust to carry out a feasibility study, which would potentially see the Wakatipu Trail included in the New Zealand Cycle Trail, as one of the country's "Great Rides".
Sir Eion Edgar said once the feasibility study was accepted, the Government would contribute up to $1.8 million towards the $3.6 million cost of completing the trail.
"The trust is obviously very excited by this opportunity, and while the amount to be raised is a major challenge, we are confident with the community's backing we will achieve it.
"We have already been in touch with several community trusts and the Queenstown Lakes District Council has budgeted $300,000 over the next three years towards the development of the trails," he said.
Sir Eion said he hoped as many people as possible would get involved, starting with participation in next month's Wakatipu Trail Blazer.
"The Wakatipu Trail, which is now 60% completed, belongs to everyone and the more people who support this event, the better it will reflect for the trust in applying for support from community trusts and other funding avenues.
"Everyone who enters will automatically become a friend of the trust for a year and we would love to double the number of our current 300 friends."
The Wakatipu Trail Blazer is the inaugural community fundraising event and caters for runners, cyclists and walkers entering as individuals or in teams in competitive or recreational categories.
Starting at the Jacks Point Clubhouse at 5.45pm on March 25, participants can choose to run, walk (7.5km) or cycle (15km) the private course, finishing at Jardine Park, Kelvin Heights, for a celebration party.
The $15 entry fee includes a 12-month Friends of the Trust membership, with existing members receiving a 12-month extension.
Registrations can be taken online at www.wakatiputrails.co.nz, with a weekly prize draw for those who register online.
Entry forms can also be downloaded and posted to PO Box 1052, Queenstown 9348.
Locals Day raises $2242.29
Ziptrek Ecotours' inaugural Locals Day, held on Sunday, raised more than $2000 for the Wakatipu Trails Trust.
Marketing manager Nicky Busst said the total amount raised, which included donations, was $2242.29.
"We're really pleased.
"It was a fantastic turnout - we had over 200 locals as well as some who had pre-booked and a group booking as well.
"We were just so thrilled with the day. It was a fantastic result."
Ziptrek offered residents from the district the chance to experience its two-hour flying fox operation and guided tour through the forest canopy at the top of the Skyline Gondola for the discounted price of $50 per person.
The trip usually costs adults $119 and $69 for children.
The Wakatipu Trails Trust received $10 from each ticket.
