The Story of Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail
Imagine riding through the cool of the New Zealand bush, dense with fern, dappled with light and the only sound is the call of native birds loud above the hum of your bike.
Or, imagine a trail that rounds a wide sweeping bend to a view that simply takes your breath away – stunning snowcapped peaks mirrored in a deep, still lake.
Journeys such as these exist – they are real examples of what 'Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail' is delivering.
It all started with an idea. In February 2009 that idea was to build a network of cycle trails that would not only provide a healthy and enjoyable way for Kiwis and international visitors to see the country, but would also generate economic, social and environmental benefits for our communities.
'Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail' is a partnership project between the Government and the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand. The government has invested $50 million into turning this idea into a reality – and a dedicated project team within the Ministry of Economic Development, along with partnership organisations from regions across New Zealand are making it happen.
In addition to the government's investment, co-funding of around $30 million towards trail construction demonstrates the commitment of the local communities involved.
The brand Nga Haerenga means 'the journeys', both in a physical and spiritual sense, which is exactly the sort of experience the New Zealand Cycle Trail offers.
Benefits to New Zealand Communities
The New Zealand Cycle Trail project was created to generate lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for New Zealand communities through the development of a network of world-class cycling experiences. 'Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail' complements our 100% Pure New Zealand brand and will be a key draw-card for both international and domestic visitors, adding a further dimension to our vibrant tourism sector.
Market research has shown that international cycle tourists spend 1.5 times as much per trip compared with the average international visitor, stay twice as long and visit twice as may destinations.
The Otago Central Rail Trail, which provided, in part, the inspiration for the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, attracts 20,000 domestic and international visitors each year, contributing an impressive $12.3 million to the local economy; and is a great source of pride for the local communities.
The 'Great Rides'
The flagships of 'Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail' are our 'Great Rides'. These are our premier cycle trails, predominantly off-road, that showcase the best of New Zealand, including our environment, iconic natural landscapes and our heritage and culture.
The Great Rides will take you through subtropical fern forests of the far North, along historic military and old coach roads, to breathtaking lake and mountain views, past wild beaches and through rainforests and lush wetlands. There will be something for everyone to enjoy on trails that are being built to cater for a range of cycling interests and abilities.
Expanding the Network
The New Zealand Cycle Trail also has a longer term objective of creating a nationwide network of cycle trails that connect the Great Rides with the rest of New Zealand. These are back country roads that are already popular with local cyclists and provide a safer and more enjoyable alternative to cycling on busy state highways and arterial routes.
By progressively mapping and signposting existing on-road cycle touring routes, the New Zealand Cycle Trail will broaden its appeal, catering to a wider range of cycling abilities and interests, and will spread the benefits of cycle tourism to even more regions throughout New Zealand.
Progress to Date
In 2010 the Government approved funding for the construction of 18 Great Rides. Three Great Rides have since been completed and are open and ready to ride. These include the St James Cycle Trail, Waikato River Trails and the Dun Mountain Trail.
In March 2012, the Otago Central Rail Trail, viewed by many as New Zealand's original Great Ride, officially joined the New Zealand Cycle Trail, as our 19th Great Ride.
Construction on the remaining Great Rides is now well underway and many already have sections that are open and in use. The aim is for all the Great Rides to be open and ready to ride by summer 2012-2013. Once completed, the Great Rides will together provide over 2,300 km of cycle trail, through some of New Zealand's most iconic and picturesque countryside.
The New Zealand Cycle Trail network expansion has begun with four cycle touring routes approved to date - the most recent of which was the Manawatu Cycleway in February 2012.