Government Invests $7.5m to Strengthen NZ’s Great Rides and Regional Tourism

The funding aims to secure long-term stability for trail partners and improve the visitor experience across the entire network.

The Government has announced a major new funding commitment to safeguard and enhance New Zealand’s world-renowned Great Rides, ensuring they continue to deliver economic, recreational and environmental benefits for communities nationwide. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the investment will help future-proof the country’s premier cycle trails at a time of strong domestic and international demand.

Under the new arrangement, $7.5 million over three years will be allocated from the New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund to support the management and maintenance of all 23 Great Rides that make up Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trails. The funding aims to secure long-term stability for trail partners and improve the visitor experience across the entire network.

Great Rides: A Cornerstone of Regional Tourism

More than 2 million people use the Great Rides each year, from local families and recreational riders to international tourists seeking unique outdoor experiences. These trails have become major drivers of regional tourism, supporting jobs and vibrant small-business ecosystems that include cycle hire companies, guided tour operators, cafés, restaurants, shuttle services, and accommodation providers.

Earlier this week, new economic analysis revealed that New Zealand’s Great Rides now inject $1.28 billion annually into regional economies—a figure that Minister Upston says showcases just how vital the cycle trail network is to communities.

“This funding will support that growth,” Upston said. “Preserving our Great Rides ensures we sustain the employment, investment and tourism activity they generate, while expanding opportunities for communities that host these trails.”

Two Key Funding Streams: Maintenance and Management

The new funding model includes two distinct components designed to strengthen both the quality and operational capability of each Great Ride:

1. Maintenance Funding

This will support trail upkeep, surface repairs, signage, safety improvements, and ecological management. It also ensures that issues identified in trail audits can be addressed promptly, preserving the high standards expected of the Great Rides network.

2. Dedicated Trail Managers

Every Great Ride will receive funding for a dedicated trail manager—a role essential for coordination, visitor safety, stakeholder engagement, marketing, and long-term strategic planning. Having consistent management across all trails is expected to improve overall performance and visitor satisfaction.

Upston says this structured approach will deliver stronger oversight and better planning, enabling trail partners to move from short-term responses to long-term sustainability strategies.

A Legacy of Partnership and Regional Development

The Great Rides were first established in 2009 under Sir John Key’s National-led Government and have since grown into one of the country’s most successful tourism partnerships. The network brings together central government, local councils, iwi, community groups, and private businesses.

“The three years of funding provides certainty for our trail partners and enables better long-term planning,” Upston said. “The Great Rides have always been a community-centred success story, and this investment continues that legacy.”

Recent Infrastructure Investments Signal Ongoing Commitment

Beyond the new funding arrangement, the Government has recently announced major investments to strengthen cycle trail infrastructure in Ruapehu and Dunedin, with further announcements expected.

These upgrades include improvements to connectivity, safety enhancements, new trail extensions, and amenities that help create seamless, high-quality experiences for riders.

Supporting Local Economies, Nature, and Healthy Lifestyles

The Great Rides are more than tourism attractions—they are multi-benefit assets that support:

• Regional economic development

• Conservation and environmental restoration

• Active lifestyles and public health

• Community connection and recreation opportunities

• Small business growth and job creation

They also play an important role in showcasing New Zealand’s diverse landscapes—from mountains and forests to coastal routes, vineyards, geothermal areas and historic towns.

Looking to the Future

Upston says the Government remains committed to ensuring the Great Rides remain “world-class and well-maintained,” enabling them to continue attracting domestic and international visitors for decades to come.

“We want these trails to remain well-managed, safe, and enjoyable for everyone,” she said. “This investment helps ensure they continue to deliver economic benefits and unforgettable experiences now and into the future.”