The Alps 2 Ocean (A2O) cycle trail is being backed by more than 90 North Otago-based groups, including businesses, tourism operators and even a whole street in Oamaru, all of whom are expecting a bumper summer.
The 312km trail from Mt Cook to Oamaru was officially opened in February, but A2O marketing and sales officer Jason Menard said spring would mark the trail's first ''full season'' of operation.
He said 91 partners had registered with the trail, ready for the launch of the official A2O brochure in September.
''It runs the range. Even a street, like the Oamaru Victorian precinct, have signed up. Antiques, collectibles, salmon farms, cheese shops, Lord of the Rings tours, accommodation - it runs the gamut.''
Additional off-road sections of the $2.75 million trail at Loch Laird Rd, Elephant Rocks and Sailors Cutting, would continue to be constructed over the next two years, but Mr Menard was ''confident'' the trail would be fully signposted before November.
Another five off-road sections totalling about 40km, including a 5.6km trail to link Chain Hills and Pumpkin Point, are due to open at the end of December.
Mr Menard was ''particularly excited'' about the Pumpkin Point section which would skirt Lake Benmore.
''It's going to be just beautiful.''
