Two Otago cycle trails have received a boost from the government’s $7.1 million fund to upgrade Great Rides cycle trails around the country.
Central Otago Clutha Trails would get up to $1m towards completing the gap between Alexandra and Roxburgh.
Work began last year on the last 12km of trail was expected to be completed in February.
The completed 33km trail would allow people to cycle between the two towns. Until then cyclists have to either travel by road or down the Clutha/Mata Au river by jetboat to connect back on to the trail.
The new section would primarily follow existing farm tracks, rising above the lake edge on to natural terraces.
That alignment allowed the trail to be shaped around important heritage, geological and ecological features, preserving the unique character of the gorge.
It would be out of sight and sound of SH8.
The Otago Central Rail Trail was given up to $302,000 for track restoration.
Opened 25 years ago, the rail trail was the first purpose built cycle trail in the country and covers 152km from Clyde to Middlemarch.
Doc Central Otago Operations Manager Charlie Sklenar said the surface of the 152 km Otago Central Rail Trail had been impacted by weather and usage over time.
"The investment will primarily go into resurfacing large parts of the track to ensure that it meets Grade 1 standard which is an easy, flat trail designed for an enjoyable experience for a wide range of users.The contribution is instrumental in enabling the work to progress," Ms Sklenar said.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced the funding last week.
Ms Upston said the cycle trails were one of New Zealand’s most successful regional tourism assets.
"The Great Rides boost economic growth by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and attracting new hospitality and accommodation services to set up nearby.
"They are vital to our local economies with people enjoying more than 2.5 million trips on the 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand each year and spending an estimated $1.28 billion in the regions."
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the investment would strengthen the connection between people and New Zealand’s natural environment while supporting long-term conservation outcomes.
"Our conservation estate is one of our greatest assets, and these trails give people safe, meaningful access to experience it.
"This investment supports a ‘Bluegreen’ future, where we grow tourism and regional economies while protecting the natural places that make New Zealand unique.
"It also helps ensure these trails are resilient, well-maintained, and able to support both visitors and conservation outcomes for generations to come."
The six investments, covering infrastructure and remedial projects, are for:
• Roxburgh Gorge Trail to close the 12km gap in the trail (up to $1 million)
• Otago Central Rail Trail restoration (up to $302,000)
• Queen Charlotte Track realignment (up to $1,457,500)
• St James Cycle Trail upgrades (up to $2,012,000)
• Mountains to Sea — Ngā Ara Tūhono Cycle Trail enhancements (up to $2,197,000)
• Remutaka Cycle Trail at the Wild Coast Section resurfacing and upgrades (up to $165,000)
The projects were co-funded through the NZ Cycle Trail Fund and the Department of Conservation.
