Seven Mile Track is a popular walking trail in the Wakatipu but has the added distinction of being one of the homes of the Queenstown Mountain Biking Club.
The club has built a network of 11 trails within the recreation reserve during the past two years.
The trails ranged from gentle terrain to demanding technical runs, Department of Conservation Queenstown Regional Visitor Centre supervisor Andrew Evans said.
"The reserve is seen as one of the best destinations for technical mountain biking, where some of the trails are steep, narrow and involve jumps. In addition, it has to be the most scenic place to ride in."
Seven Mile Track, from a walker's point of view, is one of a number of picturesque and easily accessible lake-front trails in the Wakatipu basin.
It boasts stony beaches, secluded swimming spots and tranquil viewpoints of the Eyre Mountains and the Remarkables.
Mr Evans said early pioneers designated many Wakatipu creeks and the names often did not give the correct distance from Queenstown.
Seven Mile is roughly 7km from the central business district and is accessed by a car park on the left-hand side of the road to Glenorchy.
"From the car park, the track leads through varied new native vegetation of shrub land and young forest, the legacy of widespread fire in the basin in the 1880s. Seven Mile is a prime example of regeneration. The shrub land and manuka serves as a nursery for re-energising beech forest, which is slowly regrowing."
After a relatively steep descent from the car park, the track meanders beside the lake front before heading inland after 20 minutes.
There follows a gradual ascent to Kirks Terrace with good views of Wilson Bay ahead.
Mr Evans said that was the beginning of the mountain-bike track network.
"Walkers need to be aware of cyclists using the trails. It can get busy during the summer, especially after work."
From the terrace, walkers continue along the main track to arrive at Wilson Bay, near where the trail rejoins Glenorchy Rd. The bay was a peaceful inlet and good for swimming in the summer months, Mr Evans said.
"The track is moderately difficult, with some uneven patches. It should take one and a-half hours each way. Walkers need to stick to the main track and not venture down the side tracks, which are mountain-bike access only.
"Seven Mile serves as yet another example of the ease with which Wakatipu residents and visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of Queenstown and experience some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand."
Pedal power
• Seven Mile Recreation Reserve has a mix of cross-country, intermediate downhill trails and wooden stunts for cyclists in a network managed by the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club.
• The central meeting point on Kirks Terrace is called The Hub and leads to trails titled Cool Runnings, Grin & Holler II, IB55 and Fruit Loop.
• Eagles Nest features rolling downhill trails named Kachoong and Grin & Holler. Dream Arena has several trails leading off it with options of three downhill trails.
• The club has trail maps for sale on its website (www.qmtbc.co.nz), Queenstown bike shops or from the Doc Queenstown Regional Visitor Centre on Shotover St.
• QMBC has 120 members and more are expected to join over the spring, summer and autumn seasons. The club manages other trail networks, including the Wynard Freestyle Terrain Park, Gorge Rd Jump Park and, early in the new year, the Jardine Park in Kelvin Heights.
• Enthusiasts can join the club via its website or go to one of its Thursday evening meetings. The group also hosts a four- to five-hour Bike Jam once a month.
