River ride set to attract tourists

Three Waikato mayors will sign agreements committing their councils to Te Awa Great New Zealand River Ride.

The river ride will follow the Waikato River for 70km from Ngaruawahia to Horahora, through a mix of farmland, exotic vegetation and native bush.

It is expected to become a major tourist drawcard for the region and will open up parts of the wider Waikato, not usually accessible to visitors.

Driven by Te Awa River Ride Trust, the project has a the support of several companies and local councils, and the signing on Monday at Waikato Museum will formalise the commitment of Hamilton City and Waipa and Waikato district councils to the project.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker, Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson and Waipa District Mayor Alan Livingston will join trust representative and former Olympic champion Sarah Ulmer for the signing.

Mayor Hardaker says the river ride is a fantastic cycleway that will enable locals and visitors to enjoy the region's defining natural assets, the Waikato River and our beautiful Waikato countryside.

Mayor Alan Sanson has seen people cycle to work from Ngaruawahia and Horotiu to Hamilton.

"With Te Awa there is now a safer way to do this as the cycleway will primarily be traffic free, has an excellent surface and easy contour. What a great community asset."

Waipa Mayor Alan Livingston says Te Awa cycleway provides a superb opportunity to open up the Waikato River to cyclists of all ages and ability to enjoy exercise and recreation.

"Te Awa Trust is to be congratulated for its vision and financial commitment, and in partnering with the three councils, toward making this 70km cycleway a great regional asset that profiles the city and the Waikato River."