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 mo

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