A Bannockburn residents’ group has warned the village is unprepared for a major increase in cyclists once the Kawarau Gorge Trail opens, citing pressure on parking, safety concerns and a lack of public toilets.

Representatives of the Bannockburn Responsible Development Society Inc. raised the concerns during the public forum at last week’s Cromwell Community Board meeting.

The group said demand projections prepared for Central Otago District Council in 2024 estimated between 80,000 and 102,000 cyclists would use the trail in its first season.

Speaking on behalf of the society, Harvey Perkins said peak day demand could reach close to 1,000 trips, with peak hour use of up to 225 cyclists.

“This is almost two trips per minute in both directions,” he said.

Harvey said the projected numbers raised questions about where cyclists would park, rest and access facilities, both at the Felton Road trail end and within Bannockburn village itself.

He said parking was already congested and there was no public green space available for visitors.

The society also highlighted the absence of public drinking water and toilet facilities.

“Toilet provision is a major issue, given the peak...projections,” he said.

“We need the community board to create a plan urgently.”

Contractors finish the deck of a bluff bridge on the Kawarau Gorge Trail. Image: Supplied/Dave Howard

Safety concerns were also raised regarding the lack of a formed walking and cycling path linking the end of Felton Road with Bannockburn Road and the village’s hotel and cafe.

Several Cromwell Community Board members acknowledged the issues raised, saying the presentation highlighted valid pressure points ahead of the trail opening.

A Central Otago District Council staff member told the meeting funding had been allocated for a path connecting the trail to Bannockburn village.

However, the project had been paused to align with upcoming three waters infrastructure work.

The staff member said council officers were assessing whether the path should be built as part of the water project or delivered separately, to avoid digging up newly completed work.

Council staff also outlined ongoing work with the trail trust and commercial operators around signage, drop-off locations and encouraging use of larger parking areas further from the village.

The Kawarau Gorge Trail is nearing completion, with less than one kilometre still to be formed.

Contractors are finishing work through the gorge, with surfacing, safety barriers and signage still to be completed.

An official opening date has not yet been confirmed, but the trail is expected to open later this summer.

Read more: Kawarau trail close to finish

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