There’s nothing quite like exploring New Zealand by bike. It’s healthy, good for the environment, and pedalling along at your own pace surrounded by the calls of native birds and the constant hum of the wheels is utterly charming.
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Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail and views of Aoraki Mt Cook from the shores of Lake Pukaki |
A growing number of bike enthusiasts, from highly experienced mountain bikers looking for a thrill to weekend bikers who just want to enjoy nature away from the crowds, have been discovering Nga Haerenga (The Journeys) - New Zealand’s cycle trail, which comprises 22 Great Rides and covers over 2500km.
In 2009 a government ‘think tank’ was tasked with driving economic development in the regions, and dreamed up the idea of creating a cycle trail from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island.
The national initiative was inspired by the success of the Otago Central Rail Trail, a grassroots community project that has become a major tourism attraction.
The government launched the $50 million project in 2011 with the aim of building a network of Great Rides, similar to the country’s beloved Great Walks, showcasing scenic areas of the country and opening up parts previously inaccessible to cyclists.
Since then, the network of cycle trails has steadily grown. While cyclists aren’t able to travel the length of New Zealand on Nga Haerenga as it’s a network rather than one uninterrupted trail, they’re able to get a taste of almost every region and landscape.
