Quick start for New Zealand cycleway projects
27 Jul 2009
Work on New Zealand’s new national cycleway is to get a ‘quick start’ this summer at several locations throughout the country.
Seven projects and a NZ$9 million budget were earmarked for a ‘quick start’ on the cycleway, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced today (27.07.09).
The huge project will link a series of ‘Great New Zealand rides’ - including existing and newly created routes - providing a 3000km cycling route travelling the length of New Zealand.
A NZ$50 million budget to be spent over three years has been set aside to complete the project.
Regional stories
The seven cycle routes are spread throughout the North and South Islands, and located in areas with great natural scenery, interesting regional stories and culture.
Five of the seven inaugural projects are in the North Island: Hokianga to Opua / Russell (Northland), Waikato River trail, Hauraki Plains trail, Central North Island rail trail, and Mount Ruapehu to Wanganui trail.
Two projects - the St James trail, and Around the Mountain rail trail - are in the South Island. The St James trail, in North Canterbury, crosses Lewis Pass in the Southern Alps, and the Around the Mountain trail includes a boat trip across Lake Wakatipu and a 175km circuit through high country stations.
Three of the new trails - the Central North Island Rail Trail, Mount Ruapehu to Wanganui, and St James - are on land administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Cycle tourism - overall vision
Work is likely to get underway in November.
"While some of these tracks require further feasibility work to be completed I am confident that most, if not all, of these tracks will be well positioned for construction to commence this summer," Mr Key said.
If all seven tracks go ahead it is estimated close to 300 jobs will be created from the construction, rising to more than 500 per year as supporting businesses are developed.
"These are only the first set of projects for the New Zealand Cycleway. As the number of tracks grow, and cycle tourism increases, the numbers of jobs generated will increase," Mr Key said.
"The overall vision for the New Zealand Cycleway is to generate lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits for our communities by a network of ‘Great Rides' through some of our most beautiful scenery."
More information:
Green light for New Zealand 'Great Rides' cycleway
NZ national cycleway off-road routes
Otago Central Rail Trail
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