“It’s hoped the trail will attract more tourists to South Canterbury, promoting job creation and boosting economic growth. The trail received $226,358 from the Timaru District Council’s Covid-19 stimulus fund followed by another major boost from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) in late 2020. NZTA has provided $500,000 to build the 14 kilometre-long first stage, a shared use path between Washdyke and Pleasant Point. The contract has been awarded to Paul Smith Earthmoving. Munro expected the trail would be well-used by walkers, runners and cyclists some of whom would use it to commute. He said they were now considering a range of options for continuing on to Cave and Albury.