Cycleways: work to do

Lessons learned from the successful Central Otago Rail Trail should be heeded by those seeking to attract people to the proposed 175km Walter Peak Station-to-Kingston cycleway, the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand (TIA) has warned.

This follows the Government's announcement of the "Around the Mountain Rail Trail" on Monday, one of seven potential cycleways which form the first phase of the $50 million New Zealand Cycleway Project.

TIA chief executive Tim Cossar said the industry welcomed Prime Minister John Key's announcement, but, in a statement, reminded planners that the Central Otago Rail Trail took nearly a decade to reach the level of popularity it now enjoyed.

"For these trails to be successful, they will need strong marketing investment and strong local community support.

"Planners will also need to consider everything from safety and quality to ensuring that the necessary facilities, rest stops and range of rides, offering different skill levels, are available for riders wanting to enjoy a great outdoor experience," he said.

It was the only note of caution in a chorus of approval from Clutha-Southland MP Bill English, the Department of Conservation (Doc), Destination Queenstown and Southland district Mayor Frana Cardno, on behalf of the mayors of Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, Gore, Invercargill and Clutha.

Mr English said in a statement the construction of the track "will create jobs for local people and the finished cycleway will attract tourists into our region.

"However, there is more work to do over the coming months and I look forward to the community getting behind this project".

Up to 40 people were expected to be employed building the track, and more as supporting businesses were developed. The Central Otago Rail Trail supported 75 full-time jobs.

Destination Queenstown (DQ) chief Stephen Pahl said in a statement the main reason for visiting the Wakatipu was the scenery. DQ was delighted to see the track was designed to be an easy ride, because activities that were accessible to a wide range of people, and at little cost, were always in demand.

Doc spokesman Rory Newsam, of Wellington, told the Otago Daily Times the department had been the driver of three proposed cycleways - Central North Island Rail Trail, Mountain to the Sea and St James Great Trail - which were on land administered by Doc. The department was prepared to start construction of the trails with local authorities in November, he said.

"Overall, Doc sees there are great opportunities to work with communities to develop tourism and ensure better public access and usage of conservation land.

"We're looking to contract out as much of the work as possible . . . to ensure the money will flow back into local communities."