The Government has announced $1 million in funding to enhance Northland’s popular Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail.
The investment will be used to improve the trail’s visitor experience by upgrading visitor facilities, and creating new cultural and tourism experiences.
“This investment will help the trail attract more domestic and international visitors to the region while supporting local businesses and jobs,” said Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Louise Upston.
“Funding will enable improved trail infrastructure, better connections to the Bay of Islands, upgraded visitor amenities, and improvements to accessibility so that more people can enjoy this outstanding Great Ride.
“Cycle tourism continues to be an important contributor to regional economies, and it helps spread the benefit of tourism to more communities.”
The Minister said the new funding will support a trail reroute which enhances the visitor experience and provides an alternative cycling route as the vintage railway is reinstated.
“It also positions the region to capture even greater tourism and economic benefits, building on the estimated $22.8 million the trail already contributes each year to Northland’s economy,” she said.
“Visitors want authentic experiences that help them connect with local culture and history. This investment will bring the stories of Northland to life through new interpretation and storytelling interactions, making the trail an even more compelling destination.”
The funding will help construct the first stage of a new cycle trail between Opua and the Whangae Tunnel, alongside a longer-term project to improve connections between Opua and Taumarere where the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust has reinstated the railway. Cyclists will continue to have access to the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway service on sections of the route while future stages of the project are considered.
Construction is expected to begin this financial year once the final trail design and implementation plan have been finalised.
