NZ cycle trail launches website

The 18 Great Rides of Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail, have gone global with a new website launched at Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand (TRENZ) - the tourism industry expo currently being held in Queenstown.

The new cycle trail website will be a useful tool for potential international visitors as well as locals keen to experience completed cycle trails throughout New Zealand and also keep up to date with developments on the remaining sections.

Nga Haerenga means "the journeys", both in a physical and spiritual sense, and the national trail is predicted to boost tourism with the global interest in New Zealand as a cycling destination.

New website 

The new nzcycletrail.com website features detailed information about each of the Great Rides including recommended itineraries, photographs, interactive maps, trail elevation graphs and scenic highlights.

Users can also link easily to individual trail websites to book guided tours.

New Zealand Cycle Trail Programme Manager John Dunn says the new website will inspire and encourage people from all walks of life to explore the outstanding range of cycling experiences available via the project.

He told TRENZ delegates that visitors would be able to enjoy a range of cycling experiences including excursions that last only an hour or two through to a 15 day tour that incorporates parts of four different cycle trails.

"The experiences available range from $36 for entry to cycle friendly attractions - and bike hire from $48 per day - to luxury all inclusive guided tour and accommodation packages for over $5,000 per person," he said.

The 18 Great Rides also link with a wide variety of attractions and activities including kayaking, hiking and helicopter rides to more relaxed pursuits like spas, sailing, luxury accommodation, and fine wine and food.

Trail so far 

One Great Ride, the St James Cycle Trail near Hanmer Springs in Canterbury, has been opened and eleven further rides have sections that are already in use.

"These trails are already showcasing the very best that New Zealand has to offer in terms of our iconic landscapes, culture and communities," said Dunn.

"They are about cycling but they are also about adventure, fitness and health; they are about having a holiday and getting away from it all; and taking time to share exhilarating outdoor experiences with friends and family - and that’s what this website promotes," he said. 

Nga Haerenga background 

The New Zealand Cycle Trail project has been created to generate lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for New Zealand communities through a network of world class cycling experiences.

The government has invested $50 million into the project over three financial years (2009-2012).

The 18 Great Rides are across New Zealand in regions including Northland, Hauraki, Rotorua, Opotiki/Gisborne, Waikato, Ruapehu, Taupo, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson/Tasman, West Coast, Mount Cook/Waitaki, Queenstown, Southland and Clutha.

As well as information on each of the rides, the new website also has news of related events, project updates, the full story behind the trail idea, useful maps, photos, videos, local information, feedback and links to relevant websites in each region.