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The Government is investing more than $800,000 to repair three of New Zealand’s Great Ride cycle trails following recent storm damage, alongside tourism marketing support for affected regions.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the funding is aimed at restoring visitor infrastructure and supporting regional recovery.
“Repairing these trails ensures they can continue to drive regional tourism, support local businesses, and provide high-quality outdoor recreation experiences,” Upston says.
Hauraki, Waikato and Tasman funded
An initial $300,000 has been allocated for immediate safety work on the Hauraki Rail Trail, which the Government says will allow the trail to reopen following January storm damage.
The Waikato River Trail will receive $110,000 to repair damage across 50 kilometres of trail caused in February.
Further south, the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail has been allocated almost $427,000 to reinstate the section between Wai-iti Reserve and Quail Valley Road, subject to final route confirmation.
Upston says that brings total Government investment in extreme weather repairs on the trail to just over $2 million.
“The trail contributes around $34 million to the local economy each year, and this work will help ensure it continues to play that vital role.”
Marketing support for tourism recovery
Additional funding has also been approved for regional tourism marketing following the January 2026 severe weather events in the upper North Island.
This includes $55,000 for domestic and international campaigns in Hauraki Coromandel and $10,000 for an autumn business events campaign in Bay of Plenty.
Visitor drawcards
Upston says more than two million people use the 23 Great Rides of Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails each year, contributing an estimated $1.28 billion to regional economies.
“These trails are a long-standing partnership between central and local government and the communities that host them. This investment reinforces that commitment.”
