The group building the 312km Alps 2 Ocean cycleway wants people to try out some sections during the holiday period and tell it what they think.
Construction has started on several sections of the cycleway from Mt Cook to Oamaru, with some expected to open before Christmas. The cycleway, part of the New Zealand cycle trail, is expected to be officially opened in November next year.
Alps 2 Ocean joint committee chairman Mike Neilson said completed sections of the trail were not yet connected, but there was a loop available out of Twizel for people to enjoy during the holidays.
A section at the south end of Lake Pukaki, easy to access by bike or foot, will also be open.
"This will give people the opportunity to experience the quality of the tracks, the gradient and an early look at our signage. We'd like people to check it out and let us know what they think," Mr Neilson said.
By Christmas, people would be able to cycle, run or walk a combination of country roads, canal roads and completed cycle trail routes.
Work on other sections of the track was under way, including Duntroon to Elephant Rocks.
Approval was expected soon for the Ohau weir to lake Ohau Lodge section and from the lodge through Quailburn and Tarnbrae via Quailburn Rd and into Omarama.
By mid-January, people should be able to ride from Mt Cook to Twizel then to the southeastern corner of Lake Ohau (the weir). This will include a 90-second helicopter ride.
The cycle trail will eventually descend 780m from Mt Cook down the Waitaki and Waiareka Valleys to the Oamaru harbour, and is being promoted as a "trail second to none".
"We are fielding inquiries from all over the world and are very excited about its potential to drive tourism in our area.
"It will showcase the amazing diversity of the Mackenzie and Waitaki regions, taking visitors slowly from the country's highest peak, through some spectacular natural landscapes and wildlife, right to the sea," Mr Neilson said.
This would result in huge economic and social benefits for communities.
