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.
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