The annual Favourite Places to Ride competition is proving more popular than ever with more than 6800 nominations already received, and Rotorua is among those vying.
A media statement from the organisers, the New Zealand Transport Agency, said the competition this year was bigger and better with a new Top
Town award. This will go to the city or town that received the most nominations across the Urban Ride, Off-Road or Adventure Ride and Community Facility categories.
Transport Agency National Cycling manager Dougal List said it was exciting to watch the towns battle it out.
"The leader board has been constantly changing as residents rally in support of their local rides.
"Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are all vying for the top spot with smaller centres like Rotorua and Taupo also giving them a run for their money. This is creating some regional rivalry as all of them are convinced they have what it takes," he said.
"Auckland has some of the best cycleways in the world, so of course we will take out the Top Town Award," said Auckland Transport's Manager of Walking, Cycling and Road Safety Kathryn King.
Both Wellington and Christchurch believe they offer cyclists enough to take the title from the country's biggest city.
Wellington City Councillor and Public Transport, Cycling and Walking portfolio leader Sarah Free said Wellington had a fantastic range of cycle routes.
"We have the jewel in the crown, which is the Wellington waterfront. But we also have some fantastic, off-road paths which are like these little oases which take you out of the traffic, and bring a bit of joy to our daily commute."
Christchurch City Councillor Mike Davidson, who is involved in the city's cycle network, said riding a bike in Christchurch catered for everyone.
"It's one of the biggest cities in New Zealand and it is also mostly flat, which is inviting for a lot of people. We also have our fair share of hills if you're up for a challenge."
Nominations for New Zealand's Favourite Places to Ride will be open until Wednesday May 31 and the winners will be announced in early June.
The categories for this year's competition are:
- Urban ride (This category recognises rides around your town or city including new urban cycleways and shared paths)
- Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail
- Off-road or adventure ride (This category recognises off-road trails and mountain bike tracks)
- Community facility (E.g. Bikes in Schools tracks, community bike parks and velodromes)
Simply by taking part Kiwis go in the draw to win their share of $1000 in bike shop vouchers.