Manawatu joins New Zealand Cycle Trail

Manawatu joins Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail this weekend with the opening of a new touring route on The Country Road.

The 126-kilometre Manawatu Cycleway weaves its way from Mangaweka to Palmerston North City, providing cyclists with a two-day trip set against the region’s unique rural landscape.

A group of 30 cyclists will ride the Manawatu Cycleway this Saturday and Sunday, including Palmerston North Deputy Mayor Jim Jefferies. Rangitikei MP Ian McKelvie and Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-Galloway will both participate in parts of the ride, as will groups of cyclists from Taupo and Wellington, one of which is led by Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown.

New Zealand Cycle Trail Project Manager Jonathan Kennett says the route will take cyclists off busy highways and into the rural and urban heartlands.

“Cyclists will be treated to some of the very best the region has to offer, including soaring white mudstone cliffs in Mangaweka, the dramatic backdrop of the Ruahine Ranges and lush farmland along the Pohangina Valley terraces.”

Mr Kennett says touring routes are a new addition to the New Zealand Cycle Trail, connecting its 18 Great Rides with a series of on-road country trails.

“Touring routes like the Manawatu Cycleway are selected for safety, scenery and facilities along the trail. They provide cyclists with a unique and ideal way to explore our country.”

Destination Manawatu Chief Executive Lance Bickford says he is delighted that the national cycleway includes a part of New Zealand that most people have never seen.

“Visiting cyclists from New Zealand and overseas travelling along this route will quickly find out that the Manawatu is far from flat. At last there is recognition that simply bypassing our region along State Highway One short-changes our visitors,” Mr Bickford says.

"Here is a most worthwhile experience in close proximity where our unique geography lends itself perfectly to recreation.”

Locals are invited to take part in the final leg of this two-day ride, by joining in along the Manawatu Riverside Walkway & Bridle Track, and into The Square for live music, speeches and celebrations.

The Manawatu Cycleway is a joint initiative between Destination Manawatu and The New Zealand Cycle Trail.

Read about the Manawatu Cycleway.

For further information, or photos, please contact:

Alastair Stewart
Communications Advisor
The New Zealand Cycle Trail
Ministry of Economic Development
04 470 2508
021 358 274

or

Janet Reynolds
Leisure Tourism Manager
Palmerston North City i-SITE Manager
06 350 1811
021 066 1591