Govt Invests $7.1 Million to Upgrade New Zealand’s Great Rides Cycle Trails

“This investment supports the continued growth of New Zealand’s world-renowned cycle trails, one of our most successful regional tourism assets,” Ms Upston said.

The Government is investing up to $7.1 million to upgrade six of New Zealand's iconic Great Rides cycle trails, in a major boost aimed at strengthening regional tourism, improving visitor safety, and protecting some of the country's most valuable outdoor recreation assets.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced the funding package as part of broader efforts to expand regional economic growth while supporting conservation and sustainable tourism development.

The investment will fund a series of infrastructure upgrades, trail resilience projects, restorations, and safety improvements across key sections of the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand network — one of the country's fastest-growing tourism attractions.

Great Rides Generating Billions for Regional Economies

Minister Louise Upston said New Zealand's cycle trails have become a cornerstone of regional tourism, driving visitor spending, supporting jobs, and helping smaller communities benefit directly from domestic and international tourism.

"This investment supports the continued growth of New Zealand's world-renowned cycle trails, one of our most successful regional tourism assets," Ms Upston said.

"The Great Rides boost economic growth by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and attracting new hospitality and accommodation services to set up nearby."

The economic contribution of the Great Rides network has become increasingly significant in recent years as cycle tourism expands globally.

According to Government figures:

• More than 2.5 million trips are taken annually across the 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides

• Regional visitor spending linked to the trails is estimated at approximately $1.28 billion each year

• The network supports tourism operators, accommodation providers, cafés, transport businesses, bike hire services, and local retail economies across multiple regions

Tourism operators say cycle tourism also tends to generate longer visitor stays and higher regional spending compared with many traditional tourism activities.

Six Major Trail Projects Funded

The latest investment package covers six major infrastructure and remediation projects across both the North and South Islands.

Roxburgh Gorge Trail – Up to $1 Million

Funding will help close a critical 12-kilometre gap in the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, improving continuity and rider accessibility along one of Central Otago's most popular cycling routes.

The project is expected to strengthen the trail's appeal for both domestic and international cycle tourists while improving overall route connectivity.

Queen Charlotte Track Realignment – Up to $1.457 Million

The Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough will undergo a major realignment project aimed at improving trail resilience, environmental protection, and long-term safety.

The route is considered one of New Zealand's premier multi-day cycling and walking destinations, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

St James Cycle Trail Upgrades – Up to $2.012 Million

The St James Cycle Trail in Canterbury will receive significant infrastructure improvements designed to enhance rider safety and increase resilience against weather-related damage and erosion.

The rugged alpine trail is known for its remote terrain and increasingly popular adventure tourism appeal.

Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Enhancements – Up to $2.197 Million

The largest allocation will go toward upgrades on the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Cycle Trail, which stretches from Mount Ruapehu to the Tasman Sea.

The project will support trail improvements, accessibility enhancements, and infrastructure upgrades across multiple sections of the route.

Otago Central Rail Trail Restoration – Up to $302,000

Restoration work will be carried out on the historic Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand's original Great Ride and one of the country's most internationally recognised cycle tourism attractions.

The trail continues to attract strong visitor demand more than two decades after its development.

Remutaka Cycle Trail Upgrades – Up to $165,000

Funding will support resurfacing and safety upgrades on the Wild Coast section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail near Wellington.

The improvements are intended to enhance rider safety and improve long-term durability in exposed coastal conditions.

Conservation and Tourism Strategy Linked

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the investment supports the Government's wider "Bluegreen" strategy — balancing economic growth with environmental protection and sustainable use of conservation land.

"Our conservation estate is one of our greatest assets, and these trails give people safe, meaningful access to experience it," Mr Potaka said.

"This investment supports a Bluegreen future, where we grow tourism and regional economies while protecting the natural places that make New Zealand unique."

Officials say maintaining trail resilience is becoming increasingly important as climate change, severe weather events, and rising visitor numbers place additional pressure on outdoor infrastructure.

"It also helps ensure these trails are resilient, well-maintained, and able to support both visitors and conservation outcomes for generations to come," Mr Potaka said.

Cycle Tourism Becoming Strategic Growth Sector

Cycle tourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of New Zealand's tourism economy, particularly as travellers increasingly seek nature-based, low-impact, and wellness-oriented experiences.

Industry analysts say New Zealand's Great Rides network has helped position the country as a premium global destination for adventure and eco-tourism.

The Government believes further investment in trail infrastructure can help:

• Increase regional tourism dispersal

• Reduce pressure on heavily concentrated tourism hotspots

• Support local employment

• Encourage sustainable tourism growth

• Strengthen New Zealand's international tourism brand

"These projects will support regional dispersal of visitors and future-proof our Great Rides for both domestic and international riders alike," Ms Upston said.

Co-Funded Infrastructure Push

The projects are being jointly funded through the NZ Cycle Trail Fund and the Department of Conservation as part of a broader infrastructure strategy focused on long-term sustainability and resilience.

The Government says continued investment in outdoor recreation infrastructure is essential to ensuring tourism growth remains economically beneficial while protecting environmental values.

"The Government is working together to invest in infrastructure, building a future that delivers for communities, conservation and the economy," Ms Upston said.