The New Zealand Government is investing more than $800,000 to repair parts of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network after storm damage. The money will help fix three Great Rides: the Hauraki Rail Trail, the Waikato River Trail and Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced the support to help the trails and nearby tourism businesses recover.
The trails were damaged by severe weather, making repairs important for visitors and local communities. Ms Upston said the work would help the trails keep supporting regional tourism, local businesses and outdoor recreation. This means cyclists, walkers and families can continue to enjoy safe and high-quality places to explore.
Extra marketing funding has also been approved for areas in the upper North Island affected by bad weather in January. Hauraki-Coromandel will receive $55,000, while the Bay of Plenty will receive $10,000. This funding is meant to rebuild visitor confidence and encourage people to return.
More than two million people use the 23 Great Rides of Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails each year. These rides bring an estimated $1.28 billion to regional economies. The government says the investment shows its continued support for the trails, local councils and the communities that welcome visitors.
