Update: $25m boost for Cycle Trail Funding

PHOTO/FILE

A $25 million boost for Cycle Trail Funding in the regions is an opportunity for Rotorua and the council would be looking to lodge at least one proposal for funding, according to the district's deputy mayor.

The investment, announced by Prime Minister John Key on Sunday, is part of a $45 million tourism package in Budget 2016 to further support tourism's contribution to economic and job growth in regions across New Zealand.

Rotorua deputy mayor Dave Donaldson told the Rotorua Daily Post the Rotorua Lakes Council "definitely have our eye on the opportunity".

"We are looking to lodge one, if not more, proposals to secure that funding."

Mr Donaldson said ideas were coming to the fore all the time.

"We've got to look at where is the best opportunity to develop a really marketable product," he said, adding that included rides that were good for both locals and tourists.

He said the council had already been preparing a scoping report around linking Rotorua and the South Waikato river trail.

The Rotorua Trails Trust was also at the very early stages of scoping another potential tourist route with the Scenic Reserve Board and Department of Conservation, he said.

Rotorua MP Todd McClay said Rotorua's 74km National Cycleway could be linked to the 103km Waikato River Trail via a link between Putaruru and Mamaku.

He said a concept plan had been produced a few years ago which adapted the disused rail corridor and bridges along one of the region's most attractive routes.

"I understand that we narrowly missed out on funding last time in favour of Rotorua's Thermal by Bike Cycleway and so a refreshed design which offers on and off-road biking including around Mt Ngongotaha linking Putaruru and Rotorua is likely to have real appeal.

"Cycling is growing in popularity with increasing numbers of international visitors coming to New Zealand to ride the National Cycleways. Linking the Waikato River experience with Rotorua's mountain biking and visitor attractions is likely to be a real winner," he said.

Mr McClay said he was keen to work with the district council, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the South Waikato District Council as well as local cycling enthusiasts to put a compelling bid together.

"This is the process we used to good effect four or five years ago for the Rotorua Cycleway. It will be important that we show the significant tourist appeal of linking Putaruru and Rotorua for cyclists."