Cycle trails good for health, economy

2 new reports into the 22 Great Rides of Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trails and cycle tourism released today show:

• almost 2.19 million trips on bikes and foot were taken on the 22 Great Rides trails in the year to 30 June 2021
• a total of $11 million of health benefits for those using the trails, with many cyclists reporting an improved sense of wellbeing and mental health
• cycle trail users brought an estimated direct economic contribution to regions of more than $950 million
• the importance of cycle trail managers and their volunteers, who planted nearly 25,000 trees along Great Rides trails
• Australia is a growing market for cycle tourism in New Zealand.

The reports, ‘The 2021 Evaluation of Ngā Haerenga Great Rides’ and the ‘Cycle Tourism Insights Research Report’, looked at the performance of the Great Rides, the return on investment on the trails, the physical and financial benefits to New Zealand and its people, as well as trail usage and cycle tourism opportunities. 

The reports are available on the MBIE website.

Evaluation of the New Zealand Cycle Trails