New Zealand Cycle Trail Quick Start Tracks
Last updated:
July 2009
Prime Minister John Key has named seven potential cycleway routes that construction could start on this summer. In a speech to Local Government New Zealand, Mr Key said the Government had set aside $9 million from the $50 million New Zealand Cycleway Fund for projects earmarked for a ‘Quick Start’.
New Zealand Cycleway Possible Quick Start Tracks
The overall opportunity is to develop a 90-kilometre trail from the Hokianga Harbour on the West coast through to Opua/Russell on the East coast. The trail would pass through 11 towns and settlements.
The proposed project involves two linked rail trails:
- Paeroa through Karangahake Gorge to Waihi
- Paeroa to Thames (portion of trail)
The total Waikato River Trail will be 100 kilometres long and follow the Waikato River and five hydro-lakes from Atiamuri to Horahora. Thirty kilometres of trails are already open for use, 23 kilometres are built but yet to be opened, 6 kilometres are under construction and a further 41 kilometres are planned.
The proposed 60-kilometre (two-day) cycleway runs from Puerora (off State Highway 30), southwards toward Ongarue and Taumarunui (State Highway 4). Ninety five percent of the proposed track would be on the DOC estate.
The total Mountain to Sea ride would traverse two iconic national parks with outstanding scenery and a rich cultural, historic and natural heritage. It would cover 245 kilometres (a 4-6 day ride).
The proposal is to develop a 50-kilometre “great trail” mountain bike experience, including opportunities for family and adventure rides. The ride would provide iconic mountain scenery and a mix of trails through beech forest and grassland valleys. The opportunity would be available to traverse the St James mountain range with vehicle support and cycle the greater part of the upper Waiau Valley.
Southland and Queenstown Lakes ‘Around the Mountain Rail Trail’ would be an easy to ride, 175-kilometre cycling trail. Participants would depart from Queenstown on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak. The cycle track would head through Walter Peak and Mount Nicholas Stations, and along the Von Valley, Lake Mavora. It would then follow the Oreti River and from Mossburn along the old railway line to Lumsden.
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