Pathways between local communities
The Link Pathway project began in 2005 with a desire by Inner Marlborough Sounds residents to see pathways established between local communities.
As initial pathways were created the vision grew to build a continuous high-standard pathway on public land between Havelock and Picton, that included Anakiwa. This would effectively extended the popular Queen Charlotte Track, and link it directly to Picton and the inter-island ferries, and thus the Link Pathway project took on regional and national significance.
Group of Outward Bound students pioneering the first ever section of the Link Pathway in 2006.
Historic Bridle Path
As survey work gathered momentum, four sections of abandoned historic bridle path were re-discovered that had been constructed over 150 years ago, and lain forgotten for 100 years. Comprising 20% of the total Link Pathway, these add a significant heritage status to the project.
Pathway Construction
See and read more about various stages of path building over many years.
Ongoing maintenance
We are very grateful to the Outward Bound School for providing students to help with pathway maintenance, and our regular local workers who have done a great job.
While the Link Pathway project received numerous grants during the construction phase, we have no on-going funding for pathway maintenance. Although DOC receive concession fees from commercial operators who use the pathway for tours, events, etc. none of this is passed back to the Link Pathway Trust for pathway upkeep. The local council currently provide no support in their annual plan for the pathway upkeep, other than some weed spraying along the road edges, and there is no central government support.
The Link Pathway Trust is entirely reliant on donations to meet all pathway maintenance costs.
As well as the purchase of sprays, fuel, gravel, etc. we also have on-going costs with equipment service and repairs, insurance, administration and so on. Our annual on-going costs are $40,000. At under $1000 per kilometre for pathway maintenance, this compares very favorably with other pathways throughout the country.
The electronic counters on the pathway indicate that 48,000 people have used part or all of the Link Pathway in 2023. The simple reality is that if each of those people were to donate one dollar then the on-going pathway costs would be met.
If you enjoy the Link Pathway, and want to contribute to its upkeep, you can donate through the Link Pathway Trust Givealittle page:
