Cycle trail funding supports upgrade to benefit Northland businesses

A $1 million investment in a key visitor experience in Te Tai Tokerau Northland will further develop Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail and generate benefits to communities and businesses across the region.

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy funding was announced by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston this week, who said the upgrade and expansion of the trail would help attract more domestic and international visitors while supporting local businesses and jobs.

The trail is estimated to contribute $22.8 million annually to Northland’s economy.

Cycle trail Trust Manager, Tracey Dalton, says the investment is an opportunity to build on what Pou Herenga Tai already delivers for communities and businesses, while creating an even stronger experience for visitors.

“This funding will enable improved trail infrastructure, better connections to the Bay of Islands, upgraded visitor amenities, and improvements to accessibility so more people can enjoy this outstanding Great Ride.”

The investment will support construction of the first stage of trail between Ōpua and the Whangae Tunnel, alongside longer-term work to improve connections between Ōpua and Taumarere, where the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust has reinstated the railway.

Northland NZ (NNZ) supported the project through its regional economic development advocacy. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) invited NNZ to identify priority projects that could enable further economic development in Te Tai Tokerau. Pou Herenga Tai was one of five initiatives put forward. MBIE subsequently worked directly with the cycle trail trust to develop the funding proposal.

NNZ Head of Destination, Ben Chapman, says the organisation was pleased to support the trust and bring the opportunities it presents to the government.

“Pou Herenga Tai is a significant regional asset and the credit for its success sits with the trust, as well as communities and partners who have built and supported it over many years. Our role is to champion opportunities like this, where regional investment can help locally-led projects achieve even more for Te Tai Tokerau.”

Chapman says cycle tourism is an important part of the regional economy, particularly because of its ability to disperse visitors into smaller communities.

“Cycle trails are a premier form of slow travel. Cyclists tend to stay longer, travel through multiple communities and visit throughout the year. That creates opportunities for accommodation, hospitality, retail, attractions and other local businesses, while allowing visitors to engage more deeply with the people and places of Northland.”

Far North District Council has committed $2m to upgrading the trail as part of its Long Term Plan. Co-funding for the project was a criteria for receiving the funding.

Construction is expected to start once the final trail design and implementation plan have been finalised.