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Investment of $1 million is set to enhance Northland’s Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail, improving the visitor experience, upgrading visitor facilities, and creating new cultural and tourism experiences, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
“This investment will help the trail attract more domestic and international visitors to the region while supporting local businesses and jobs,” Louise says.
“Funding will enable improved trail infrastructure, better connections to the Bay of Islands, upgraded visitor amenities, and improvements to accessibility so that more people can enjoy this outstanding Great Ride.
“Cycle tourism continues to be an important contributor to regional economies, and it helps spread the benefit of tourism to more communities.
“This new funding will support a trail reroute which enhances the visitor experience and provides an alternative cycling route as the vintage railway is reinstated. It also positions the region to capture even greater tourism and economic benefits, building on the estimated $22.8 million the trail already contributes each year to Northland’s economy.
“Visitors want authentic experiences that help them connect with local culture and history. This investment will bring the stories of Northland to life through new interpretation and storytelling interactions, making the trail an even more compelling destination.”
The funding will help construct the first stage of a new cycle trail between Opua and the Whangae Tunnel, alongside a longer-term project to improve connections between Opua and Taumarere where the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust has reinstated the railway. Cyclists will continue to have access to the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway service on sections of the route while future stages of the project are considered.
Trust chair Adrienne Tari says”This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the Far North and the future of the Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail. “It recognises the value of cycle tourism and the positive impact it has on our communities.”
Construction is expected to begin this financial year once the final trail design and implementation plan have been finalised.
