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Nga Haerenga Cycle Trail (New Zealand)

The first of the New Zealand Cycle Trails were opened in August 2011. The trails were planned in February 2009 with the idea to build a network of cycle trails that would not only be a healthy and enjoyable way for Kiwis and international visitors to see the country but would also provide economic, social and environmental benefits for communities.

The 2009 Budget committed $50 million over three years to the project and established a dedicated team within the Ministry of Economic Development, along with partnership organisations from regions across New Zealand, to make it happen.

The cycle touring routes are designed to:

• Appeal to a broader range of cyclists and encourage more New Zealanders to “go-by-bike”.
• Help stimulate the tourism sector by encouraging tourists to stay longer and spend more.
• Mitigate the high-profile risks associated with cycle tourists using potentially busy roads.
• Reinforce and enhance New Zealand’s ‘clean green’ image by encouraging the increased use of cycling and by encouraging cycle tourists off busy roads, and onto beautiful and unique ‘Kiwi’ back country roads.
• Focus on existing infrastructure (roads and cycle paths) that already meet the NZCT criteria or require only limited and targeted improvements to be suitable for the network.
• Aim to be consistent with cycling networks overseas, particularly SUSTRANS in the United Kingdom as well as other networks in Europe and North America.

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