Glenorchy Trails Trust: Building a Legacy for the Head of Lake Wakatipu
Glenorchy Trails Trust: Building a Legacy for the Head of Lake Wakatipu
We at the Glenorchy Trails Trust are excited to share our ongoing work on the Buckler Burn Trail, an important step in enhancing the head of the lake. This trail is more than just a new path; it’s a key piece of our broader goal to create a connected, thriving community in Glenorchy.
The Buckler Burn Trail will bring value to our community in several ways. It will connect the township of Glenorchy directly with the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Whakaari Conservation Area, help realize the vision of a continuous trail from Queenstown to Glenorchy and provide multiple benefits to Glenorchy residents and visitors alike.
Connecting Glenorchy with the Whakatipu Conservation Area
One of the primary benefits of the Buckler Burn Trail is that it will link Glenorchy with the vast trail network in the Whakatipu Conservation Area. Managed by the DOC, this area is known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. The new trail will make it easier for both locals and visitors to access these beautiful spaces and learn about our local mining history.
For outdoor enthusiasts, this connection is invaluable. Easier access to these trails will encourage more people to get out and explore the area, whether they’re seasoned trampers or just looking for a casual walk. It’s also a chance for everyone to appreciate the conservation efforts in place, seeing firsthand the importance of preserving these natural landscapes. Indeed, predator trapping volunteers have expressed excitement at the opportunity to cycle or walk from town safely.
Moreover, by linking with the DOC trails, the Buckler Burn Trail will make Glenorchy an even more attractive destination for walkers and cyclists. This isn’t just a physical connection—it’s a way of bringing the community closer to the incredible natural environment that surrounds us.
The Buckler Burn Trail as Part of the Queenstown to Glenorchy Connection
The Buckler Burn Trail is also a crucial part of the bigger vision of a continuous trail from Queenstown to Glenorchy. This ambitious project envisions a trail stretching along the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu, offering one of the most scenic routes in New Zealand for walkers and cyclists.
The Buckler Burn Trail will be a key link in this future trail. As more sections are developed, it will allow users to enjoy part of this incredible journey now, giving them a taste of what the full connection will offer. This will enhance Glenorchy’s appeal as a destination and strengthen our ties with the broader regional trail network.
As we continue to work toward this vision, the Buckler Burn Trail is a significant milestone. It’s a reminder of what we can achieve through collaboration and shared goals. This trail will help position Glenorchy and the head of the lake as a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Community Benefits to Glenorchy
While the Buckler Burn Trail is important for the region, it also offers several direct benefits to the Glenorchy community. These include improved safety, health and wellness opportunities, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
Safety for Walkers and Cyclists
One of the main reasons for building the Buckler Burn Trail is to improve safety for walkers and cyclists. Right now, getting to the Whakaari Recreation Area and other parts of the conservation area often means dealing with busy 100 kph roads and narrow bridge. The new trail will provide a safer, dedicated pathway that reduces the risk of accidents.
For families, this means that children and less experienced cyclists can enjoy the outdoors without the worry of traffic. For older residents and visitors, the trail will offer a gentle and accessible way to engage with nature, encouraging more people to get out and enjoy the beauty around us.
Health and Wellness Benefits
The benefits of having easy access to trails go beyond safety. There’s plenty of evidence showing that spending time outdoors is good for both physical and mental health. Regular use of the Buckler Burn Trail can help reduce chronic disease, improve mental well-being, and strengthen our connection to nature.
For the people of Glenorchy, the Buckler Burn Trail will be a valuable resource for exercise and relaxation. Whether it’s a morning jog, an afternoon walk, or a weekend family outing, the trail will provide a convenient and attractive option for staying active and healthy. And in today’s fast-paced world, having a natural retreat to reduce stress and reconnect with ourselves and our community is more important than ever.
Lower Carbon Footprint
In a time when environmental sustainability is crucial, the Buckler Burn Trail offers a practical way for the community to reduce its carbon footprint. By providing an alternative to driving for those accessing the Whakaari Recreation Area and other nearby spots, the trail encourages walking and cycling.
For locals and visitors, this not only benefits the environment by reducing emissions but also makes the experience of visiting Glenorchy more enjoyable. Imagine setting out from your doorstep or accommodation, walking or cycling through beautiful landscapes, and arriving at your destination without driving. The trail promotes the idea of “slow” tourism, where the journey itself is part of the experience.
Economic Development Opportunities
One of the most exciting aspects of the Buckler Burn Trail is its potential to boost Glenorchy’s economy. As part of the growing trend toward “slow” tourism, the trail will attract visitors who want to immerse themselves in our local environment and culture.
These visitors are more likely to stay longer, explore more, and spend more, benefiting the local economy. Accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets will all gain from increased foot traffic. Plus, there’s potential for new businesses to emerge that cater specifically to walkers and trampers, such as guided tour operators, bike rentals, and local food producers.
The success of the Buckler Burn Trail could also spark further investment in Glenorchy’s infrastructure and amenities. As the trail gains popularity, it will showcase the area’s potential as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, encouraging more investment from the government, trail partners, and private donors.
This kind of development can help create a sustainable economy in Glenorchy, one that values environmental stewardship and provides high-quality experiences for visitors. By attracting people who appreciate our unique landscape and recreational opportunities, Glenorchy can become a model for other rural communities looking to balance tourism with sustainability.
Building Momentum for the Future
The Buckler Burn Trail is more than just a project; it’s part of a vision for the future of Glenorchy and the Lake Wakatipu basin. By successfully completing this trail, we’ll not only provide immediate benefits to the community but also set the stage for further development and investment in our region.
The momentum generated by this project will inspire confidence in Glenorchy’s potential as a top destination for outdoor recreation. It will show government bodies, trail partners, and potential donors that Glenorchy is a community worth investing in—a place that’s committed to preserving its natural environment while fostering economic growth.
Looking ahead, the Glenorchy Trails Trust remains dedicated to our mission of creating a connected and vibrant trail network that benefits both locals and visitors. We’re grateful for the support of our donors, partners, and the wider community, whose contributions are making the Buckler Burn Trail possible. Together, we’re building a legacy that will be enjoyed for generations.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether through a donation, volunteer work, or simply by using and promoting the trails, your involvement will help ensure the continued success of the Glenorchy Trails Trust and the Buckler Burn Trail. Let’s work together to create a sustainable, thriving community that embraces the beauty and opportunities of the Lake Wakatipu basin.
For more information on how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.glenorchytrailstrust.org.nz. We look forward to walking this path with you—towards a brighter, healthier, and more connected future for Glenorchy and the Lake Wakatipu community.
