"I'm really looking forward to [getting] out there myself. I think they are going to be absolutely amazing."
At Hilton Queenstown yesterday, Mr Key, also Minister of Tourism, was greeted by about 20 Wakatipu cyclists who gave three cheers as a way of thanking him for the initiative.
The Queenstown Trail was one of 18 projects across the country which benefited from a $50 million Government start-up grant.
Queenstown received $1.8 million to help with its 90km trail network, which will link Queenstown, Kelvin Heights, Lake Hayes Estate, Arrowtown and the Gibbston valley.
Mr Key told the cyclists and official guests the tourism benefits would be significant, as well as benefits to local economies and residents.
"When you look at the international publicity the cycle trail gets, there is huge interest out of Europe, Germany, Scandinavia, North America."
Mr Key paid tribute to those behind the 150km Otago Central Rail Trail, which "blazed a trail" and was the genesis for what the Government hoped to replicate across the country - "core business and lots and lots of small business and enterprises being established".
Also at yesterday's event, where the first seven "official partners" of the Queenstown Trail were announced, was NZCT ambassador Sarah Ulmer.
Ulmer, who rode a small section of the Queenstown Trail outside Hilton Queenstown, said it was an "amazing initiative" and a project which would bring the community together, on every level, becoming a meeting place "where mums can take kids in buggies".
"It is an absolute no-brainer for me to be involved with the New Zealand Cycle Trail.
"Having access to some of literally the most spectacular parts of [New Zealand] by bike is brilliant."
NZCT programme manager John Dunne said the construction of the trails network was progressing "extremely well" and about 1780km had been completed.
The Queenstown Trail is on schedule for completion by the end of September. It will include seven bridges, two underpasses, cross two rivers and pass three lakes.
