The Future of Ben Lomond Trails & QT Hill - Submit Today
When done in a sustainable, considered way, mountain biking creates healthier, more connected communities that see the value in their natural environment and want to protect it.
It creates economic opportunities, domestic and global tourism, and athlete development, as well as a way to integrate recreation into conservation efforts that benefit everyone.
Done right, it can transform previously barren hills and dead pine forests into mixed-use reserves with clever water management, regenerative soils, thriving native bush and returning species.
It might sound euphoric—a utopian view somewhere far off in the future—but we believe it’s possible. All it needs is the vision and power of the community to stand behind it.
Yes, there are good reasons to cut mountain biking out of the conservation equation, but alienated communities do little to care about their role in protecting the planet.
Currently, the future of mountain biking in Tāhuna Queenstown is up for discussion and Queenstown Lakes District Council is asking for feedback on the recent Te-Taumata-o-Hakitekura Ben Lomond & Te Tapunui Queenstown Hill Reserve Management Plan.
Have they got it right? We need you to use your voice and let them know if you support the draft Reserve Management Plan. Help us create a legacy to leave for future generations.
Submit to the Reserve Management Plan to ensure mountain biking is considered in the plans for a sustainable (and fun!) future in the Whakatipu Basin.
How To With QMTBC:
1) Click here to head to the submission info page.
2) Scroll down to the bottom of the page where you will find the submission form. Click on ‘Complete Form’. If you can’t find it you can follow this link.
3) Fill out the form with your own details. Once you reach point 8 you will have the opportunity to write your submission. Please see below for the highlighted points we are asking for support on, we ask that you try and write these in your own words:
Trail Expansion and Development: I am in support of QMTBC and QLDC expanding the trail networks in the Ben Lomond Reserve and the development of the Queenstown Hill Reserve to accommodate the growing demand for mountain biking. Including creating new progressive trails, improving connections between riding areas, and formalizing unofficial trails.
Upgrading Existing Facilities: I am in support of enhancing existing bike facilities, such as installing water fountains, toilets, and bike washdown areas at Wynyard Jump Park, and formalizing the trail network in Queenstown Hill, including plans for dual slalom/jump lines and asphalting the Kerry Drive pump track.
Collaboration with QLDC: I support the importance of QMTBC aligning their Trail Master Plan with the QLDC Trail Masterplan to ensure coordinated trail development and improved access, including proposals for new uphill trails and trail links from key entrance points like Lakeview and Lomond Crescent.
Safety and Trail Management: I support the proposal for safety improvements, such as separating rider and walker traffic on shared trails with bridges/overpasses and advocating for more accessible trail areas like a Skybridge over One Mile Creek to enhance safety and flow.
Environmental Integration: I support plans to integrate trail development with environmental restoration efforts, including QMTBC and QLDC collaborating on tree felling and replanting in Queenstown Hill Reserve and the need for effective planning of future biking trails in areas where pine trees are being removed.