'If that's the cost, that's the cost'

Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper says the $95 charge to cross the middle section of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail was ''always going to be a pain''.

''But it's a commercial decision. If that's the cost, that's the cost.''

He thought some locals might be put off and choose to bike in and out from either end ''but others coming in to do the whole adventure just won't notice it [the cost].''

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Tourism Central Otago marketing manager Alison Mason said although the cost might deter some, the novelty of the boat ride might attract others.

''It's a 30- to 45-minute trip through a relatively remote location so it's not the scenery you're going to get [to see] by driving.''

The Government put $2 million into the $3.4 million trail.

A spokeswoman for Prime Minister John Key said this was not a matter on which he would comment.