Great Rides Cycle Trails Fuel $1.28 Billion Boost to New Zealand's Regional Economies

The 2025 Evaluation Report for Ngā Haerenga – The Great Rides of New Zealand paints a positive picture of increased usage and longer stays.

The New Zealand Government has welcomed compelling new data that highlights the tremendous economic contribution of the country’s iconic cycle trails — the 23 Great Rides — with recent figures showing these popular cycling routes are now injecting a substantial $1.28 billion annually into local economies across the country. This figure represents a dramatic 35% increase in visitor spending for the year ending June 2025, compared with 2021, underscoring the growing allure of cycle tourism in Aotearoa.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston hailed the results as a major win for regional tourism and local businesses, attributing the boost to increased expenditure by trail users on accommodation, dining, and other hospitality services.

“This is a significant boost for our local tourism market. Riders are spending more on accommodation, food and hospitality, which is great news for local businesses and jobs,” said Minister Upston.

Rise in Trail Usage and Visitor Nights

The 2025 Evaluation Report for Ngā Haerenga – The Great Rides of New Zealand paints a positive picture of increased usage and longer stays. Visitor nights in nearby accommodations reached 4.5 million during the 12 months ending June 2025 — an impressive 25% jump from 2021. Furthermore, the trails recorded over 2.5 million individual trips, marking an 18% rise from the same 2021 period.

These numbers point to a consistent trend of growing popularity for cycling as a recreational and tourism activity. Minister Upston credited both domestic interest and international visitor engagement for the uptick.

“Higher spending on accommodation and hospitality goes hand in hand with more people using the trails,” she noted. “These figures show the appeal of our cycle trails continuing to grow and the real economic benefits they bring to regional communities.”

Historic Legacy and Ongoing Government Support

The Great Rides were originally established in 2009 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Sir John Key and the National-led Government as part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable tourism and economic development in regional New Zealand. Over the past 16 years, they have grown to become a cornerstone of the country’s outdoor tourism offerings.

The Government currently invests $8 million annually from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) to maintain and enhance these trails, which traverse a variety of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes — from alpine paths to coastal journeys and historical rail corridors.

In addition to the baseline funding, Minister Upston confirmed that recent infrastructure upgrades have been funded in regions such as Ruapehu and Dunedin, with further investments planned. These upgrades are designed to improve the trail network’s resilience, enhance visitor safety and experience, and support local job creation through construction and trail management.

Economic and Cultural Significance

The 23 Great Rides are more than just recreational assets — they’re viewed as vital links between tourists and the communities they visit. The trails help showcase New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage, unique biodiversity, and breathtaking natural beauty. In doing so, they serve not only as gateways to exploration but also as economic engines that support small businesses, accommodation providers, local eateries, tour operators, and artisans.

“This data shows our Great Rides are growing in popularity with both international visitors and Kiwis,” Upston emphasized. “We’re committed to ensuring they continue to attract visitors and deliver significant economic benefits.”

Looking Ahead

As New Zealand continues to bounce back from the global tourism downturn of recent years, cycle tourism is emerging as a sustainable and high-value sector. The Government sees the continued development and promotion of the Great Rides as central to its broader tourism strategy — one that prioritizes environmental responsibility, regional equity, and high-quality visitor experiences.

With visitor spending and trail usage on the rise, the Great Rides are proving to be a wise long-term investment that delivers tangible returns — not just in dollars, but in stronger communities, healthier lifestyles, and a deeper appreciation for New Zealand’s cultural and natural heritage.