Upper Clutha Lakes Equestrian Advocacy Group (UCLEAG)
The Upper Clutha Lakes EAG was set up in 2025 to protect, improve and promote horse rider access to the mountains, hills, rivers and lakes of the Upper Clutha Basin in Central Otago.
Our goal is to create a network of world-class riding opportunities for locals and visitors.
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As an outcome of tenure review there are many public shared tracks and conservation lands in our area we can legally ride on, providing a buffet of magnificent riding opportunities including multi day trips. However there are some issues which are limiting or excluding us from exercising our rights of access such as locked gates and impassable fences. We are also finding there has been little thought given to safe and spacious float parking areas at trail heads.
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The Otago Conservation Management Strategy sets out where horses are allowed Otago's public conservation lands. One area that horses are not included are marginal strips, yet there are a number of very good riding areas alongside our rivers.
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Mountain bikers have global access, so should horse riders. The first "river" project out of the blocks is aiming to create a local riding trail alongside the newly formed cycle trail on the true right of the Hawea River. The EAG has provided the local tracks trust and the DOC with information on the feasibility of the potential route to ensure our future needs are taken into consideration.
Who we are working with
The UCL EAG is working with the DOC to address these issues on public conservation land with the assistance of Herenga a Nuku.
The EAG is also working with the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Upper Clutha Tracks Trust and local Bike Wanaka to re-establish horse riding on shared trails on the 100ha Mt Iron Recreation Reserve, on the iconic double hump of kanuka-clad schist rock in Wanaka.
Contact
If you would like to know more, have ideas for improving access and/or would like to become involved as a member of the UCLEAG please contact Anne Steven:
ph 0212939207
