$8 million in Government funding to enhance the Great Rides of New Zealand

The New Zealand Government has announced criteria for contestable funding to maintain and enhance the Great Rides of New Zealand.

The new funding, to be delivered over four years, will be used to maintain and improve safety and quality across this world-class network of 23 Great Rides which span the length of the country and range from gentle family rides along scenic coastal cycle trails to remote off-road trails that take visitors deep into the great outdoors.

New Zealand Cycle Trail Inc. (NZCT) Manager Evan Freshwater believes that the backing will help ensure the trails are delivering the best possible visitor experience, stating “the fund will allow trail managers to realign sections of trail where the gradient may exceed what is desirable for their riders, improve the trail surface or build bridges or boardwalks.

“The funding can also be used to make repairs after storm damage.”

The 23 Great Rides span the length of the country and range from gentle family rides along scenic coastal cycle trails to remote off-road trails that take visitors deep into the great outdoors.

Freshwater explains that cycle trails have proved a catalyst for new businesses and are creating jobs and wealth in communities throughout the country.

He adds “the Great Rides are encouraging visitors to travel more widely and do more while they are in New Zealand, which is aligned with Tourism 2025, the tourism industry’s new growth framework.

“Tourism New Zealand research shows that around 4% of international holiday visitors do some sort of cycling while they are in New Zealand and that on average, cycling visitors spend more than other international visitors.”

For more information go to www.nzcycletrail.com

5th February 2014 - CYCLE TRAILS MAKING POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE NEW ZEALAND ECONOMY