St James Cycle Trail to open tomorrow

The St James Cycle Trail near Hanmer Springs - the first of the Government-backed "great rides" to be fully completed - opens tomorrow.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said the 64km-long trail had iconic scenery including river valleys, high-country lakes, beech forest and grassland valleys.

Of the 18 nationally promoted cycle trails, it requires the highest level of experience to complete.

"Experienced mountain bikers are expected to complete the full trail in roughly 10 hours. There are four huts along the way, providing a chance to make a weekend of it," she said.

Ms Wilkinson, who will officially open the trail, said it was the third one to have sections of track available for use, but the first to be completed from start to finish.

- NZPA