On yer bike - NZ cycleway takes off
02 Jul 2010
On yer bike - the first of the seven ‘quickstart’ projects for New Zealand’s national cycleway was officially launched today (02.07.2010).
Two major sections of the Ruapehu - Whanganui Nga Ara Tuhono trail were launched today by New Zealand Prime Minister Mr John Key, and other dignitaries, including Ruapehu district mayor Sue Morris, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson, West Coast Tasman Green Party MP Kevin Hague and representatives of the local Māori iwi / tribe.
The Old Coach Road day ride and the Mangapurua Track were the two trails officially opened by Mr Key, who attended the launch ceremony at the Ohakune Railway Station in the morning.
It is estimated the Nga Ara Tuhono trail will bring up to NZ$3 million per year for the local economy.
"Once all the trails are completed, there will be a series of Great Rides throughout the country for New Zealanders and overseas visitors alike to experience," said Mr Key.
Perfect day
Whanganui DOC area manager Nick Pete said it had been a perfect day for the launch.
"The weather was lovely - it was a bright sunny day and there was a crowd of about 500 that turned up for the ceremony. The trail was opened with a blessing by the local kaumatua / elder and members of the local iwi, Ngati Rangi, joined in."
Pete said the day had been planned as an exciting outdoor adventure for all participants.
Two hundred schoolchildren from local primary schools went out onto the trail for the first time as part of the launch. Mr Key signed a mountain bike that will be raffled to raise money for cycleway development in the area.
Local MP Kevin Hague said the trail was a great way to promote the idea of a healthy lifestyle.
"It’s a good way for people to have recreation without sitting in front of the telly or going to the pub."
Both Mr Key and Ngati Rangi tribal leaders said the Nga Ara Tuhono trail had opened up Ohakune for summer tourism - and was a great way for visitors to New Zealand to see some of the most scenic and iconic parts of the country.
Mountains to the sea
The Ruapehu - Whanganui Nga Ara Tuhono trail will traverse two national parks in New Zealand’s central North Island.
Tongariro National Park is renowned for its spectacular volcanic alpine scenery, while Whanganui National Park is a vast and remote wilderness area.
The finished trail is expected to take four to six days to complete, with varying levels of difficulty. Parts of the trail, such as the newly-launched Old Coach Road section, can also be done as day or overnight rides.
The Old Coach Road section is anticipated to be one of the most popular rides on the trail. The section is a family-friendly 11km day ride from Ohakune to Horopito - following what used to be the railheads of the main truck highway line before it was completed in 1909.
The longer Mangapurua Track ride will take two days, and goes from Raetihi to Mangapurua Landing. It is suitable for more experienced cyclists and will also be open to trampers.
The Mangapurua Track is an historical highlight of the cycle trail, as it crosses the Bridge to Nowhere and passes through Mangapurua Valley soldiers settlement within Whanganui National Park.
Nga Ara Tuhono is one of three national cycleway trails that are being developed by the Department of Conservation in conjunction with New Zealand’s Ministry of Tourism.
Nga Ara Tuhono map
More information
First New Zealand cycleway on track
Green lights for NZ’s ‘Great Rides’ cycleway
Quick start for NZ cycleway projects
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