Project Tohu Trail Network
Project Status
Location Map
About the project
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), alongside lead contractor Te Tapu o Tāne and trail funding partner Tāhuna Ride and Conservation (TRAC), is opening the Project Tohu restoration site gates – weather permitting – on the weekend of 7-8 March.
This is a unique opportunity to experience 12km of new trails, ranging from grade 3 to 6, before the wider network officially opens next year. The trail network winds across the hillside, offering stunning views, varied terrain, and a first look at the regeneration work happening across the site.
The Project Tohu team, alongside TRAC, has spent months shaping the network; carving routes, armoring slopes, and preparing the area for future public use.
The trail construction, under the site management of Te Tapu o Tāne, is being delivered by a team of world-leading trail builders. Local crews Elevate, Dirt Design, Dirt Dynamics, Flux and Southstar are joined by internationally renowned Sam Hill Signature Trails, bringing their expertise and unique style to the project.
It is important those taking part follow the guidelines set out by event organisers to ensure the site is enjoyed safely. Measures have been put in place due to the network being developed on an ex-forestry site and it being an active worksite for the Project Tohu revegetation programme.
There are specific times the trails will be open to different user groups and guidelines for how these recreational groups access the site in the dropdowns below and shown on the Trail network map.
These time windows help keep different user groups separate during the early stages of the project, when only a small portion of the full trail network is available and higher number of visitors are expected on shared trails. Once the full network is complete, all users will be able to enjoy the site together.
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Horse riders are welcome between 7.00am-11.00am on the 7 and 8 March.
Access and parking is permitted for Horse riders only via Alan Reids Road off Malaghans Road.
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Walkers, trail runners and paragliders are welcome between 7.00am-6.00pm on the 7 and 8 March.
Parking and trail access is via Flight Park at 792 Malaghans Road.
Those travelling to the site are encouraged to go via the Wharehuanui trail or to carpool with friends.
Please note that dogs are welcome but must be on lead at all times. This is for the safety of all trail users and due to Pindone poison being used as a pest control method on the site.
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Bikers are welcome between 12.00pm-6.00pm on the 7 and 8 March.
Parking and trail access is via Flight Park at 792 Malaghans Road.
Those travelling to the site are encouraged to go via the Wharehuanui trail or the Coronet Face Water Race trail or to carpool with friends.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find the answers you're looking for below? Reach out to our Customer Service team on 03 441 0499 or email:
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- Horse riders can access between 7.00am-11.00am only. Horses are required to access via bottom of Alan Reids Road off Malaghans Road.
- Walkers, trail runners and paragliders can access the site between 7.00am-6.00pm. Parking and access is via Flight Park at 792 Malaghans Road
- Bikers can access between 12.00pm-6.00pm only. Parking and access is via Flight Park at 792 Malaghans Road
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These time windows help keep different user groups separate during the early stages of the project, when only a small portion of the full trail network is available and higher number of visitors are expected on shared trails. Once the full network is complete, all users will be able to enjoy the site together on dedicated user group trails.
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Riders should be prepared for softer, less‑settled surfaces in places, as the trails have not yet fully bedded in. This is an opportunity to come help ride them in!
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Stage one includes 12km of new bike trails ranging from grade 3 to 6. When the site officially open next year the site will host around 22km of new bike trails ranging from Grade 2 to 6. There will also be further expansion to the network for walking, trail running, horse riding and paragliding.
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Yes, you can bring your dog, but it must be on a lead. There is pindone poison being used at the site as a pest control method, so for their safety it’s important to keep dogs under control and on a lead at all times.
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No. Only pedal‑assist bikes are permitted on the site. This is to reduce conflict between users and to manage the higher speeds and safety risks associated with motorbikes, electric motorcycles, and Surrons.
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The plan is to open the site Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March, however in the event of high wildfire risk or heavy rain we may have to cancel the event. We will communicate this through an update on the QLDC website and Facebook page the morning of the event.
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The Project Tohu site is surrounded by a deer fence (to protect the plantings from pests) with access gates in key locations. There are seven key access gates that will act as evacuation points during the open weekend. Please refer to the map to view.
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Multi-use trails work best when everyone understands multi-use trial etiquette. These simple guidelines help prevent accidents, reduce stress for all, and make the trails enjoyable for the whole community.
- When out on the trails if you are using Ipods or headphones turn them down so you can hear other users around you.
- Cyclists give way to walkers - cyclists must slow down, be prepared to stop, and pass only when it’s safe and clearly communicated.
- Walkers and cyclists give way to horses -If you’re on foot and you meet a horse and rider, step to the side of the trail and let them pass calmly.
- If you have a dog, keep it under control when approaching a horse. If your dog is barking reassure your dog and don’t let it continue to bark. Make it a good experience for both animals. Don’t let your dog go near the rear of a horse
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No. Horse trails are walk and trot only. This helps to keep the environment safe for all users and reduces wear on the trail surface. We kindly ask horse riders to kick droppings to the side of multi-use trails to help keep these spaces safe and enjoyable for all users.
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Speak to the rider. If you are approaching from behind, slow down and call out from about 50m back so the rider and horse are not startled. Then as a common courtesy be guided by the rider when and where to pass.
- Slow down immediately
- Speak calmly so the horse knows you’re a person, not a threat
- Give the rider plenty of space
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- Control your speed
- Call out politely (“Rider behind”, “Passing on your right”)
- Give walkers plenty of room
- Be especially cautious around children and dogs
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The Coronet Recreational Working Group, made up of representatives of local groups and organisations that use this area, began developing the trail concept in 2020, dedicating countless volunteer hours to the initial design.
Since then, the trail network has been refined through input from user groups, specialist designers and technical experts. Construction is being managed by Te Tapu o Tāne and delivered by a team of world-leading trail builders. Local crews Elevate, Dirt Design, Dirt Dynamics, Flux and Southstar are working alongside internationally renowned Sam Hill Signature Trails to bring the project to life.
