Queenstown Airport and Queenstown trails trust forge a new connection

2026-09-10

Queenstown Airport and the Queenstown Trails Trust have joined forces to support active travel, sustainable tourism, community wellbeing, and environmental stewardship.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to connecting people and place, contributing to community wellbeing, and helping conserve the natural beauty of the Whakatipu region for future generations.

Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Shane O’Hare said the partnership aligns closely with the airport's strategic goals and its ambition to be the world’s most bike-friendly airport.

“Queenstown Trails has built an exceptional network of trails that connect communities, encourage active transport, and help people experience some of the most spectacular landscapes in New Zealand. They’re an incredible asset for our community and we're keen to see them developed further.”

The airport will contribute $20,000 a year towards further development of the Queenstown Trails network, which covers more than 200 kilometres. It will also collaborate on promoting the trails and creating volunteering opportunities for staff.

Together, the organisations will work to strengthen connections between the airport and the wider trail network, enable safe active transport options for staff and travellers, and encourage more people to explore the region by bike or on foot.

Queenstown Trails Trust Chief Executive Mark Williams welcomed the partnership.

“Queenstown Airport has become an important regional and international gateway for cycle tourism, with visitors able to start their trail journey from right outside the terminal and ride on a connected network of the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails.

"This partnership will celebrate our world-class trail network in the Whakatipu and create a deeper connection with the entire Central Otago region."

Beyond the trails themselves, the partnership will create opportunities to work together on sustainability initiatives that support Queenstown's destination management goals and reflect a shared commitment to kaitiakitaka, stewardship, and care for the region.