The Vision: Connecting Queenstown to Dunedin by Trail

Imagine starting your journey at Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, the Remarkables

reflected in the morning light, and finishing days later rolling into Dunedin’s historic

Octagon, 275 kilometres of continuous off-road trail connecting two of New

Zealand’s most distinctive cities. An ambitious vision we would love to see, become

a reality.

Let’s imagine…

The Pieces Fall Into Place

The infrastructure is already taking shape. With the Kawerau Gorge Trail aim to be

completed in 2026 and planning underway for the final 13-kilometre gap in the

Roxburgh Trail, we’re witnessing the birth of something extraordinary. The route

would showcase the full diversity of the South Island—from Queenstown’s alpine

lakes through Central Otago’s historic goldfields, past Lake Dunstan’s vineyards and

the schist hills of Cromwell, before opening into rolling farmland and finally

approaching Dunedin’s distinctive harbour setting.

This timing couldn’t be better. Cycle tourism is experiencing explosive global growth

at nearly 10% annually, while trail experiences are increasingly sought after by

travelers seeking authentic, slower-paced adventures. The evidence is already here:

Queenstown Trails contributes $197 million annually to the local economy, while the

Lake Dunstan Trail attracted 80,000 users in its first year alone. Many of New

Zealand’s Great Walks now sell out within their first week of opening bookings.

The economic benefits extend far beyond the major centres.

Trail users need accommodation, meals, and services in the small towns along the route, spreading tourism income across communities that have traditionally missed out on the visitor dollar. Each stop becomes part of the story, from historic gold rush settlements tomodern farming communities.

A Journey Worth Taking

When complete, this won’t just be another trail, it will be a signature experience.

Picture the rhythm of multi-day travel: each morning bringing new landscapes, each

evening a different town with its own character and stories. Cyclists and walkers

would experience the true heart of the South Island at exactly the right pace to

absorb its beauty and complexity.

Lonely Planet has already taken notice, highlighting the region’s trail development

and predicting that "in a few years, cyclists will be able to ride from Queenstown to

Dunedin on the east coast." The international recognition follows what locals already

know this region offers some of the world’s most spectacular and diverse

landscapes, perfectly suited to trail-based exploration.

The vision is clear, the demand is proven, and the infrastructure is nearly complete.

Soon, that 275-kilometre journey from mountains to sea will offer travelers something

truly special: the chance to write their own South Island story, one pedal stroke at a

time.