A group of 20 people last night braved snowy conditions to officially open and make first tracks on the new section of the Lake Hayes Walkway.

The $240,000 cost of the new section was funded by the Queenstown Lakes District Council ($140,000), the Otago Regional Council ($80,000) and the remainder funded by the Wakatipu Trails Trust.

"Completing this section from the Rowing Club to the outlet, at the Ladies Mile end, forms part of a future major walkway link from Lake Hayes to Queenstown," Wakatipu Trails Trust spokeswoman Tina Haslett said.

The opening of the second stage, now allowed people to walk halfway around the lake, a walk of approximately 45 minutes, beginning at the northern (Arrowtown) end of the lake.

"The trail was able to be constructed over the winter by Fulton Hogan Central which has done a great job of the walkway," QLDC project manager Anne Relling said.

The Trails Trust and the Council also paid credit to both the Department of Conservation for its permission to access DOC land and also to Lake Hayes resident Mike Ramsay who had the original vision for a Lake Hayes Walkway.

"It was Mr Ramsay who secured funding from Central Lakes Trust in the beginning to complete 150 metres of boardwalk, which now features in the walkway," Ms Relling said.

Another feature of the new section of track was an arch laminated beam bridge across the Hayes Creek (lake outlet) with spectacular views back up the lake.

"The opening up of this walkway has created a wonderful new asset for the community and given access to one of the most scenic areas in the Wakatipu Basin. The Trails Trust is absolutely delighted," Ms Haslett said.

A group of 'Friends of the Trails Trust' and trustees had the honour of making the first tracks, followed by a Trails Trust presentation at the Lake Hayes Pavilion attended by 60 people and hosted by Mayor Clive Geddes.

"The Trust is making excellent progress towards opening up Wakatipu Basin to recreational users," Ms Haslett said.

It was hoped that in the future the latest new track could be extended to complete the entire Lake Hayes loop.

ENDS

For further information please contact Tina Haslett (03) 409 8555 or Anne Relling (03) 441 0499

By: Tamah