Around the Mountains Cycle Trail
Project location
Eyre Mountains, Southland
Client
Southland District Council
Services provided by Frame Group
Solutioning, Concept Design and Visualisation
Detailed Design and Engineering
Construction Management
Partners
Opus Consultants (now WSP) – Project Management
Edifice Structures – Construction Contractor
Frame Group was engaged by Southland District Council to support the delivery of the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, a high-quality Grade 2 recreation trail forming part of the New Zealand Cycle Trails programme. The trail was designed to appeal to the casual cycling market, similar in style and accessibility to the Otago Central Rail Trail, and traverses the dramatic landscapes of the Eyre Mountains in Southland.
Frame Group provided solutioning, concept design, detailed engineering and construction management for key sections of the trail, including all bridges and boardwalk structures. Portions of the alignment follow the historic Kingston–Lumsden railway corridor, introducing rail corridor constraints, boundary considerations and the need to work closely with adjacent landowners. The design also accounted for flooding risks associated with the Mataura River and included provision for light maintenance vehicle access along the trail.
Multiple bridge sites were investigated, with Frame Group developing efficient, repeatable design solutions to support timely delivery across a remote and climatically challenging environment. Standardised design details were used to improve constructability, control costs and maintain consistency across structures, including a mix of bridge and boardwalk types suited to varying terrain and hydrological conditions.
Construction was delivered within tight timeframes and challenging Southland winter conditions, requiring close coordination between designers, project managers and contractors. The project was managed by Frame Group staff working in association with a local Southland District Council representative, ensuring responsive on-site decision-making and continuity throughout delivery. The completed trail provides a resilient, scenic cycling experience and contributes to regional tourism and recreation outcomes.
