There is no start date for the proposed new cycle trail between Wānaka and Pisa Moorings according to Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust (COQTNT) chairman Stephen Jeffery.

The  55km leg is part of the $26million network announced by John Key in May 2016.

"Before construction can take place, we need to settle on a final trail alignment, and secure easements and resource consents. I'm sure you will appreciate that we can not give a start date at this time," Jeffery said

"Remembering once everything is in place, we still have to go through a tendering process. Construction period is likely to be 12 months. "

The cycle trail will likely criss-cross the Clutha River to avoid those landowners not wanting to be involved and could include two bridges, although where these will be is yet to be determined.

The most direct route would be on the true right of the Clutha River, but there has been difficulty obtaining permission from landowners, Jeffery said.

This has opened up the prospect of a section of the cycle trail passing through Maori Point, on the true left of the river, and crossing the upper reaches of Lake Dunstan.

"COQTNT is not in a position to finalise the route which is still under consideration with a range of stakeholders. Bridges are still in the mix. Trail alignment will endeavour to avoid following the highway. We aim to deliver a unique cycling/walking experience wherever possible," Jeffery said.

The Trust is actively working with a range of stakeholders to secure access for the trail.

"But initially we were looking at five-plus years from start to finish for all the projects (in Central Otago), but that's looking more difficult now,"Jeffery said.

"A great deal of work still needed to be done obtaining easements from property owners and agreements with the Department of Conservation and the Otago Fish and Game Council."

Jeffery said it was possible a start could be made on the Wānaka leg before construction on the Kawarau Gorge leg was finished. Construction of the cycle trail through the Cromwell Gorge was nearing completion, and a start was due to be made next year on the Kawarau Gorge section, leaving just the Wānaka section to complete the network.

The cost of the Wānaka leg is unknown until the build is put out for tender, Jeffery said.

Read edition 1005 of the Wānaka Sun here.