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Photos of the Westland Wilderness Trail in progress

Media Release - 23 May 2011

"New cycle trail website launched at TRENZ

The 18 Great Rides under Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail will be marketed internationally for the first time via a new website launched at Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand (TRENZ: www.trenz.co.nz) today.

The New Zealand Cycle Trail project has been created to generate lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for New Zealand communities through a network of world class cycling experiences.

New Zealand Cycle Trail Programme Manager John Dunn says the new website will inspire and encourage people from all walks of life to explore the outstanding range of cycling experiences available via the project.

“With one Great Ride completed (St James Cycle Trail) and sections of eleven further trails already in use, these trails are already showcasing the very best that New Zealand has to offer in terms of our iconic landscapes, culture and communities,” Mr Dunn says.

 “These trails are about cycling but they are also about adventure, fitness and health; they are about having a holiday and getting away from it all; and taking time to share exhilarating outdoor experiences with friends and family - and that’s what this website promotes,” he adds.

The new website features detailed information about each of the Great Rides including recommended itineraries, photographs, interactive maps, trail elevation graphs and scenic highlights. Users can also link easily to individual trail websites to book guided tours.

“Visitors can enjoy a range of cycling experiences including excursions that last only an hour or two through to a 15 day tour that incorporates parts of four different cycle trails,” Mr Dunn says.

“The experiences available range from $36 for entry to cycle friendly attractions - and bike hire from $48 per day - to luxury all inclusive guided tour and accommodation packages for over $5,000 per person,” he adds.

The 18 Great Rides also link with a wide variety of attractions and activities including kayaking, hiking and helicopter rides to more relaxed pursuits like spas, sailing, luxury accommodation, and fine wine and food.

For more information on Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail and to view the new website, please go to: www.nzcycletrail.com

For media inquiries or photos, please contact: 

Background on Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail

• The concept of a national cycle trail came out of the February 2009 job summit. The idea was to build a network of cycle trails that would not only be a healthy and enjoyable way for Kiwis and international visitors to see the country but would also provide benefits for New Zealand communities.
• Some months later, it was clear the New Zealand public were behind the idea when a national survey showed that four out of five New Zealanders supported the project. The Government invested $50 million into the New Zealand Cycle Trail project over three financial years (2009-2012). 
• The 18 Great Rides are across New Zealand in regions including Northland, Hauraki, Rotorua, Opotiki/Gisborne, Waikato, Ruapehu, Taupo, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson/Tasman, West Coast, Mount Cook/Waitaki, Queenstown, Southland and Clutha.
• One Great Ride, the St James Cycle Trail has been opened and eleven further rides have sections that are already in use includingTwin Coast Cycle Trail, Waikato River Trail, Motu Trails, Lake Track, Ruapehu-Whanganui Trails, Hawke’s Bay Trails, Nelson/Tasman Trails, The Old Ghost Road, Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, The Queenstown Trail, and the Around the Mountains Trail.
• The brand Nga Haerenga means “the journeys”, both in a physical and spiritual sense, and this is exactly the sort of experience we want visitors to New Zealand to enjoy. "

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