Our work is made possible with funding from these organisations:

Various groups of community-minded people advocated for trails connecting their communities with the wider Central Otago region. Thanks to funding from Central Lakes Trust, three feasibility studies were commissioned in 2012. These studies confirmed the wide-reaching benefits of creating a network of recreational trails that linked all the communities together.

In 2015 the various community groups and trusts combined, forming the Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust. This new entity signed a tripartite funding agreement with Central Government, Central Lakes Trust and Otago Community Council, with funds contributed totalling $26.3 million.

This was the beginning of what is now the Southern Lakes Trails Trust.

We couldn’t do it without the whole team!

In addition to our funders, we acknowledge the support of many other people and organisations:

  • Landowners, Communities, Supporters and many Volunteers

  • Contractors, Consultants, Technical Experts and Advisors

  • Philanthropic Groups

  • Queenstown Lakes District Council

  • Central Otago District Council

  • Tourism Central Otago and Trail Hub

  • Waka Kotahi - New Zealand Transport Agency

Now, our Official Partners and trail-loving Supporters keep us moving forward!

The Lake Dunstan Trail continues to be maintained to a high quality standard through contributions from our Official Partners: businesses that use the trail and care about its future; and our Official Supporters who contribute through their donations.

Join the trail community:

  • Official Partners - businesses that use the trail, care about its future, and meet our quality requirements

  • Trail Supporters - families and individuals who contribute because they care about the trail and its future

  • Donations - every little bit counts!

Interested? Read more