The Fiordland Trails Trust (FTT) continues to press on with the development of the Lake2Lake Trail, with most funding secured for the 5km section between Manapouri and Supply Bay.

Since work started in February 2016, 19km of the 28km of the trail have been completed between Te Anau and the Balloon Loop, with only 9km to go. The next stage of the construction, a 5km section between Manapouri and Supply Bay is expected to start early next year.

This will leave just 4km between the Balloon Loop and Supply Bay to join the two ends of the trail. However, this cannot be done until the Department of Conservation (DOC) signs off the Fiordland National Park Plan (FNPP) review. Under the current plan cycling is not allowed in the National Park.

DOC's Senior Ranger Community, Wendy Newton said the FNPP review process was currently being planned and the actual review would take place in 2018.

The FTT Chairman, Steve Hoskin remains optimistic.

"We are confident of a positive change based on the fact that when DOC reviewed the Conservation Management Strategy in 2013, there was no opposition to cycling on the east side of the Waiau River," he said. 

Mr Hoskin said FTT had already secured $180,000 of the $200,000 required to build the Manapouri and Supply Bay section of the trail. This had been achieved with grants and donations. He said the community support for the project had been incredible.

For this part of the project FTT received $60,000 from Meridian and a grant of $50,000 from the Community Trust of Southland. Manapouri CDA, Motel Association, Real Journeys and Ian and Jenny Willans donated $10,000 each. Local businesses and individuals have pledged a further $40,000.

"This leaves another $20,000 to secure full funding and we are hoping that our fundraisers run in conjunction with the Kepler Challenge will help with that," Mr Hoskin said.

FTT would like to thank the sponsors and donors for their generous support.