Kawarau Gorge Trail Opening Date Confirmed
After extensive planning and careful consideration, Southern Lakes Trails has confirmed that the Kawarau Gorge Trail will officially open in September 2026.
25th May 2026
Construction crews continue to make strong progress across the trail, with helicopter gravelling operations now well underway. The heli-lift method is proving highly effective in transporting the specially blended trail surface material into the remote gorge environment.
Travellers through the Kawarau Gorge can already see significant progress on the spectacular Iron Ridge structures upstream from Roaring Meg. The section takes its name from an iron bar discovered embedded in the hillside — a reminder of the rugged routes once used by early pioneers navigating the gorge.
The final stage of construction will focus on the major suspension bridges crossing the Kawarau River. These key structures are deliberately being completed last to prevent premature public access before all safety systems, barriers and signage are fully installed.
Southern Lakes Trails says the Kawarau Gorge Trail will deliver a very different experience from the Lake Dunstan Trail.
Iron Ridge Bluff Bridge sections (photoas: Dave Howard, Southernland)
“This is a true backcountry trail,” said Janeen Wood, Chief Executive of Southern Lakes Trails. “Users will need to be confident, prepared and self-sufficient. It is remote in places, physically demanding and designed for people looking for more of an adventure.”
“If riders found sections of the Lake Dunstan Trail challenging or uncomfortable, then this trail may not be suitable for them. For others, this is the next level — a rewarding journey through an incredible landscape.”
Planning is now underway for the official public opening ride from Gibbston Valley to Cromwell on Saturday 19 September 2026, with Sunday 20 September reserved as a weather back-up day.
Further details about the opening event and trail access will be released closer to the date.
Some of the finished ‘playful’ sections of the trail. (Photos: Dave Howard, Southernland).
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