The business provides everything from bike hire and luggage transfers to fully supported itineraries, to support riders of all abilities.
In a statement, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston officially opened the new depot, which was said to mark a milestone for New Zealand’s cycle tourism industry, now worth $1.2billion annually.
Ms Upston congratulated Cycle Journeys’ on their achievement.
‘‘Cycle trails are continuing to grow in popularity across New Zealand and it is fantastic to see the real economic benefits they bring to our regional communities,’’ she said.
‘‘I recently announced that our government is committing $7.5million over three years from the New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund to ensure our world-class trails continue to thrive. We are committed to ensuring all our Great Rides remain well-maintained and managed for the future, continuing to attract domestic and international visitors alike and deliver economic benefits.’’
She said new depots would help to support the government’s goal of attracting more international visitors to use the cycle ways.
Cycle Journeys founder and owner Geoff Gabites said the opening reflected how far cycle tourism had come since the Great Rides network was launched in 2012.
‘‘From a standing start just over a decade ago, cycle tourism has become one of New Zealand’s strongest-performing visitor sectors,’’ he said.
‘‘The Alps to Ocean remains the jewel in the crown of the Great Rides, and Twizel sits right at its heart.
‘‘This depot exists because the demand is real, sustained, and worth investing in for the long term.’’
According to a trail evaluation report released late last year usage across the Great Rides network had grown 18% since 2021, while revenue had increased 34% to $1.28b, exceeding the value of both cruise tourism and Māori tourism.
As the longest trail in the network, the Alps to Ocean now attracts more than 100,000 riders and walkers each year. International visitors make up around 40% of users.
