An investment of$528,000 in 12 new projects for the upkeep of the Great Rides of New Zealand Cycle Trail was announced today. Photo/Ben Fraser
An investment of$528,000 in 12 new projects for the upkeep of the Great Rides of New Zealand Cycle Trail was announced today. Photo/Ben Fraser
Rotorua will get a share of the cycle trail funding boost announced today.
An investment of $528,000 into 12 new projects for the upkeep of the Great Rides of New Zealand Cycle Trail was announced by Associate Tourism Minister Nicky Wagner.
Rotorua Lakes Council and Rotorua Trails Trust willreceive $41,500 for the upkeep of Te Ara Ahi - Thermal by Bike.
"Thermal by Bike is a great success for Rotorua with 24,000 people using it each year. This funding will ensure it remains as attractive as Rotorua is," Rotorua Todd McClay said.
The investment comes from the sixth round of the Maintaining the Quality of Great Rides Fund which aimed to ensure New Zealand's premier rides were maintained to their current world-class standard.
"Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail, is a key part of our tourism offering, attracting high-value visitors while boosting employment and development opportunities for regional economies," Ms Wagner said.
"The Government, through the tourism strategy, is focused on attracting visitors who bring value to our communities. We need visitors who spend more, stay longer and explore regions around New Zealand, as well as the main tourist spots.
"With over a million people using the Great Rides annually - Kiwis and international visitors alike - it's important they're well-maintained and continue to offer a safe and enjoyable experience."
In February 2014 the Government announced $8m over four years for the fund. A total of $4m has been approved for 59 projects across 20 Great Rides.
An evaluation released last year estimated the Great Rides produced $37.4m in economic benefits in 2015 through revenue from visitor spending.
The 12 projects to receive funding from the Maintaining the Quality of Great Rides Fund are:
Queenstown Trails Trust: Queenstown Trails (Otago), $91,119 Waikato River Trails Trust: Waikato River Trail (Waikato), $84,758 Hauraki Rail Trail Trust: Hauraki Rail Trail (Waikato), $77,757 Bike Taupo: Great Lake Trail, storm repairs (Waikato), $63,500 Otago Central Rail Trail Trust: Otago Central Rail Trail (Otago), $44,500 Rotorua District Council and Rotorua Trails Trust: Te Ara Ahi (Bay of Plenty), $41,500 Mokihinui Lyell Backcountry Trust: Old Ghost Road (West Coast), $34,474 Bike Taupo: Great Lake Trail, W2K trail (Waikato), $28,693 Far North District Council: Twin Coast Cycle Trail (Northland), $18,431 Ruapehu District Council: Mountains to Sea Trail (Manawatu-Whanganui), $18,000 Westland District Council: West Coast Wilderness Trail (West Coast), $15,000 Motu Trails Charitable Trust: Motu Trails (East Coast), $10,000.
