Government backing Whale Trail tourism venture

The Government is investing up to $12 million to connect Picton to the Whale Trail cycling and walking track, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston say.

A proposed bridge over SH1 and the main trunk railway, together with the associated trail works, would provide a direct connection between Picton where many walkers and cyclists disembark the Cook Strait ferries, and the 170km walking and cycling trail along the South Island's northeast coast to Kaikoura.

The climb out of Picton on SH1 for cyclists has long been acknowledged as a tricky section. They must navigate other ferry traffic which is often heavy, particularly during the holiday periods, Mr Bishop says.

The bridge and associated trail work would provide a safer and more direct connection between Picton and the Whale Trail, avoiding this narrow, busy and high-speed section.

Improving the connection to Picton would complete the Whale Trail, an important step forward for the trail itself and wider tourism across the top of the South Island, Ms Upston says.

The Whale Trail, already a popular trail with visitors and locals alike, has the potential to attract more visitors to the region, encourage longer stays, and showcase more of what Marlborough and Kaikōura have to offer, Ms Upston says.

This project is the last part of this tourism infrastructure. Connecting the trail directly to Picton will create a more seamless experience for visitors and strengthen one of New Zealand's premier walking and cycling attractions.

Mr Bishop says that before any decisions is made on the construction of the bridge, government needs confidence there is a deliverable solution, a clear understanding of costs, and a pathway to successful delivery.

Government support is being provided in stages with up to $1 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund supporting the New Zealand Transport Agency to undertake bridge investigations, design and planning.

A further $4.4m from the Infrastructure Reference Group Programme will help deliver the final section of the shared walking and cycling trail connection into Picton.

Additional funding of up to $6.6m has been ring-fenced for potential bridge construction, subject to further design work and future decisions.