Shania Twain and Helen Clark Open New Otago Walking Track

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:09p.m.


Shania Twain made a surprise appearance at the official opening of a tramping track across her property in the Otago High Country.

The track was a condition imposed on Twain and her husband when they bought the property – a case of giving something back to the community.

Motatapu Track runs between Wanaka, Macetown and Arrowtown and about half of it is on Twain’s land.

The diminutive singer led the charge over a small section of the new track, closely followed by Prime Minister Helen Clark and assorted dignitaries.

It was a media circus the likes of which you seldom see in a wilderness area.

In an operation of military precision, the Department of Conservation flew Twain to a picturesque part of the track for a photo opportunity.

"I’m very proud," Shania Twain said. "It’s lovely. I'm enjoying myself. I'm having a great time."

Twain, or Eileen Lange as she was christened, has not walked the track herself, but will do soon.

Twain and record producer husband Mark Lange have owned a sumptuous holiday home in a prime spot of the Motatapu Station since 2004. But as part of the sale, they agreed to create a public tramping track. It links Wanaka to Arrowtown.

Clark enthused about the deal at historic Macetown, which is part of the track.

"I think Shania Twain and her husband have set a whole new benchmark for what can be achieved with a change of ownership," Clark said. "We have this wonderful new track. They've paid for the huts, the facilities."

Macetown, population nil, came alive today as the visiting celebrities attracted a mob of children on a camp.

High profile tramper Geoff Chapple has spent the last three days walking the track.

"They've certainly come in, you know, in a good spirit," Mr Chapple said. "And it's been like that right from the start. (They) took me by chopper to show me where the huts were going to be and said 'Geoff, this track has got to be the best track'."

The track opens to the public tomorrow.

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