Stunning Queenstown Park Station to open for community ride

Owners of Queenstown Park Station (Porter Group Ltd) are inviting the wider Queenstown community to participate in a 14km mountain bike ride through iconic Queenstown Park Station on Saturday 13 February 2016.
 
The free recreational mountain bike ride is intended to be relaxed and non-competitive (as opposed to a timed race) and will take riders on a 14km one-way journey from Boyd Road to Chard Farm through rolling open country between the foot of The Remarkables mountain range and the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers.
 
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to open the Station up for the public to enjoy. This property is a really special place and provides exceptional views of the Wakatipu Basin,” said Alastair Porter.
 
“We’re encouraging riders to take their time, stop often to enjoy the views and definitely feel free to bring a picnic.”
 

Queenstown Park Station views. Photo courtesy of Southern PR

Historically known as Cone Peak Station, Queenstown Park Station comprises an area of 1,826 hectares of farm land including the Rastus Burn and Owens Creek streams. The Kawarau River forms the entire northern boundary of the Station and over the centuries has formed rolling river flats and terraces which climb up into classic high country.
 
The ride will travel in one direction, with riders invited to start any time between 10:00am and 11:30am at Boyd Road, 2.2km south of Kawarau Bridge and the exit point will be at Chard Farm, Gibbston. Organisers advise there is space for drop-off, or parking, at Boyd Road and for pick-up at Chard Farm.


Queenstown Park Station views. Photo courtesy of Southern PR 

Riders will need moderate fitness and are advised to bring a water bottle, picnic and snacks, and of course a camera or phone to capture spectacular rural and river scenes. Children are also welcome to enjoy the ride and organisers advise they do need to ride with an adult and be capable of riding the undulating 14km farm track.
 
Toilets and a water refill station will be provided at the halfway point and at Woolshed Beach, which also makes one of many ideal spots to stop for a break or lunch.
 

Queenstown Park Station views. Photo courtesy of Southern PR

To participate, riders need to pre-register at www.remarkablespark.com/community where they’ll be assigned a unique rider number. Registrations close at 3pm on Friday 12 February 2016.
 
“The Station is a working deer farm, and as we are increasing our deer stock there it means our window for public opening is now more restricted, to protect mating and fawning seasons,” added Mr Porter. “We hope as many people as possible can come along to share this place with us.”
 
“We would like to give special thanks to our neighbouring landowners Mike and Bridget Mee, and Rob Hay at Chard Farm for helping to make the ride possible.”
 
This free community ride is co-sponsored by Remarkables Park Town Centre and Queenstown Park Station.