Funding on track for Taupo cycle trail

The Lake Track cycle trail along the western shores of Lake Taupo has received a cash injection in the final stage of becoming one of the 18 Great Rides of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail.

A contract signed in Taupo on Friday (13.5.11) gives the lake project NZ$2.26m to pay for the final 60 kilometres needed to complete the picturesque lakeside trail, which will take cyclists and walkers through previously uncharted territory.

Easy access 

The 93km trail will start 15 minutes drive west of Taupo in Whakaipo Bay, and pass through the village of Kinloch, before reaching the Waihaha River and State Highway 32.

Visitors will have the choice of riding the full trail over three days or selecting from a range of shorter rides. Primary access to the trail will be by road and/or water taxi.

Bike Taupo has already constructed the first 33km of trail which includes the popular Whakaipo to Kinloch, W2K Track.

The latest funding from the New Zealand Cycle Trail project will be used to construct the remaining 60km of the track through to the Waihaha Road Bridge on State Highway 32.

Long-term dream 

New Zealand Cycle Trail project manager Richard Balm says the idea of having a trail along the western shore of Lake Taupo had been a dream for a long time.

"The stunning scenery, native forest, close proximity to the lake and easy track gradient will make this trail very popular for both cyclists and walkers," Balm said.

Bike Taupo Lake Track Committee chairman Alan Vane says the Lake Track will be great for the Taupo district and for tourism.

"It will offer exciting new business and tourism opportunities including overnight accommodation, ferries to-and-from Taupo to connect with the cycle trail, boat trips, track drop off and pick up, camping, biking, walking, events and kayaking," he said.

Joint initiative 

The trail is a joint initiative involving Bike Taupo, the Department of Conservation (DOC), Taupo District Council, local community supporters and The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

Bike Taupo acknowledged the private land owners who have given authorisation to have the trail cross their land. 

"Without their support, the development of this trail would not be possible," said Vane.

The Lake Track cycle way was exactly the type of development Taupo needed to continue to build on its reputation as a year-round summer and winter playground, he said.

18 Great Rides 

The Lake Track will be one of a series of 18 Great Rides showcasing the best that New Zealand has to offer in terms of landscape, culture and communities.

The New Zealand Government has approved a total of NZ$45.6 million for the project - which will provide more than 2,000km of trail once completed.

The 18 Great Rides are across New Zealand regions including Northland, Hauraki, Rotorua, Opotiki - Gisborne, Waikato, Ruapehu, Taupo, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson - Tasman, West Coast, Mount Cook - Waitaki, Queenstown, Southland and Clutha.

Background 

The New Zealand Cycle Trail project has been created to generate lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for New Zealand communities through a network of world-class cycling experiences.

Trips along the cycle trail will enable people to take their time, get off the beaten track, meet local people and enjoy New Zealand scenery.

The Great Rides will provide a healthy and enjoyable way for international and domestic visitors to enjoy the country, as well as providing positive economic impact for the communities involved. 

A national survey showed that four out of five New Zealanders support the project and the Government has invested NZ$50 million into the New Zealand Cycle Trail over three financial years (2009-2012). 

The brand Nga Haerenga means "the journeys", both in a physical and spiritual sense. 

The trail so far 

One Great Ride, the St James Cycle Trail near Hanmer Springs, in the South Island, has been fully completed and was opened in November 2010.

Construction on 15 further Great Rides is now well underway.

Eleven of the Great Rides already have sections that are open and in use. These include the Twin Coast Cycle Trail (Northland), Waikato River Trail, Motu Trails (East Coast), Lake Track, Ruapehu - Whanganui Trails, Hawke’s Bay Trails, Nelson - Tasman Trails, The Old Ghost Road (West Coast), Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (Mt Cook - Waitaki), the Queenstown Trail, and the Around the Mountains Trail (Taranaki).

The aim is to have all 18 Great Rides completed and ready for use by summer 2012 - 2013. In the longer term, it is envisaged that the Great Rides will be progressively linked with other cycling routes and facilities, and will cater for a range of cycling abilities, types and purposes.