Cyclists on the Around the Mountain Cycle Trail may be swapping dusty gravel roads for scenic beech and tussock vistas, should the recommendation of a new report be adopted by the Trust that manages it.

Estimated to cost 7.15 million, the new 38.4km grade 2 trail is the proposal of a report commissioned by the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail Trust and follows feedback that the current trail is considered sub-standard.

Trust chair Nicola Wills said the current gravel road on the Mavora Lakes and Centre Hill sections got very dusty from other traffic, so was not a great riding experience and also a safety risk.

Mavora Lakes Walkway upgrade plan. Graphic: Supplied

“We commissioned this report to see if there were other options that were possible, and what a preferred option would offer, as well as its possible costs.”

The proposed trail would see cyclists going through different and stunning environments, such as riding through mature beech forest with views along the Mararoa River, elevated riding along the lower slopes of Bald Hill, and through QEII covenanted blocks showcasing restoration of red tussock and scrubland, she said.

The trail would however need formal approvals from Pāmu and the Department of Conservation, as well as consultation with the Southland Conservation Board and Kaitiaki Roopū Ki Murihiku.will go through Pāmu (Landcorp) land and Public Conservation Land (PCL).

Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie said they were proud to support the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, which traverses its Centre Hill and Haycocks farms.

“The trail is a fantastic asset for the local community and visitors, offering access to some of the most scenic landscapes in Aotearoa."

"It also highlights the ecological diversity of the region and showcases conservation and restoration work Pāmu has undertaken in partnership with the QEII National Trust."

Potential trail extensions from Fiordland may ultimately join up with the Around the Mountain Trail. Graphic: Angus & Associates/Fiordland Trails Trust

Leslie said Pāmu was happy to support the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail Trust in finding a workable off-road trail option.

The Around the Mountains trail is one of the 23 Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails.

The New trail section is estimated to take five years to complete and have an estimated operational and maintenance yearly budget is $102,000.

The cycle trail is owned by Southland District Council and managed by the trail trust.

CLICK HERE to view the full report.