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The Government is investing up to $7.1 million into upgrades across six of New Zealand’s Great Rides cycle trails, with the funding aimed at strengthening regional tourism, trail resilience and visitor safety.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the investment supports one of the country’s strongest regional tourism assets.
“The Great Rides boost economic growth by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and attracting new hospitality and accommodation services to set up nearby.”
Upston says the 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand attract more than 2.5 million trips annually and contribute an estimated $1.28 billion to regional economies.
Focus on tourism and conservation
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the investment will also support conservation outcomes and improve access to natural areas.
“Our conservation estate is one of our greatest assets, and these trails give people safe, meaningful access to experience it.
“This investment supports a Bluegreen future, where we grow tourism and regional economies while protecting the natural places that make New Zealand unique.”
Six projects funded
The funding will support infrastructure and remediation work across six trails:
Roxburgh Gorge Trail – closing a 12km gap in the trail (up to $1 million)
Queen Charlotte Track – track realignment (up to $1.46 million)
St James Cycle Trail – upgrades (up to $2.01 million)
Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Cycle Trail – trail enhancements (up to $2.2 million)
Otago Central Rail Trail – restoration work (up to $302,000)
Remutaka Cycle Trail – resurfacing and upgrades on the Wild Coast section (up to $165,000)
The projects are being co-funded through the NZ Cycle Trail Fund and the Department of Conservation.
Regional tourism support
Upston says the upgrades will help spread visitors more evenly through the regions while supporting both domestic and international cycling tourism.
“These projects will support regional dispersal of visitors and future-proof our Great Rides for both domestic and international riders alike.”
