Omaui Tracks Group

Omaui Tracks Trust wins Outdoor Access Champion Award

The Omaui Tracks Trust received an Outdoor Access Champion Award last week. The award recognises the Trust's achievements in enhancing public access and offering new opportunities for New Zealanders to experience our great outdoors.

Walking Access Commission board member Robin McNeill presented the award at a ceremony in Southland.

The awards are an annual event organised by the New Zealand Walking Access Commission. Commission Communications Manager Asher Wilson-Goldman says they celebrate the people and community groups around the country who are developing trails and making it easier for people to experience the outdoors.

Since 2011 the Omaui Tracks Trust has worked to form a new walking track from the Omaui Scenic Reserve in Southland. The trail will open officially on Sunday 12 November.

It provides Southlanders and visitors with a new outdoor experience to the top of Omaui Hill, with a fine view of Foveaux Strait and Bluff Harbour.

The track has already been getting good use from school groups, runners, pest control people and those who just enjoy a peaceful walk in the bush.

Photos of the award are available here.