Is this New Zealand’s next Great Ride? – Stuff

New Zealand's next Great Ride could be a 66km pedal alongside the Waikato River.

The Te Awa River Ride charitable trust will put forward its application to Ng Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trails, to join the countrys 22 Great Rides once its final section, between Hamilton Gardens and the Tamahere Interchange, is complete in June.

Two-wheeled tourism is an absolute winner according to those experiencing a boom in Otago, and backers of the Waikato bid say it could also boost businesses and communities.

We believe weve got what it takes, Te Awa River Ride chairman Simon Perry told Stuff.

READ MORE:* Trust eyes Great Walk title as Waikato cycleway nears completion* Adventure park, housing development's future depends on Te Awa Lakes zoning decision* The Hamilton section of Te Awa cycle way underway

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Te Awa River Ride chairman Simon Perry said the walking and cycling track is right up there with the cycle trails in New Zealand.

Its right up there with the best half a dozen cycle trails in New Zealand, so were very confident well get the status of one of New Zealands Great Rides and appeal to tourists both international and domestic.

The ride stretches along the Waikato River, from Ngruawhia in the north to Karpiro in the south, and there are more than 300,000 walkers and cyclists on the trail each year.

Perry said its accessible to all ages and abilities and links regional assets and attractions, including cafs and restaurants, the Hamilton Gardens, Hakarimata walkway, Velodrome and Karpiros lake, hydropower station and domain.

Construction on the 66km river ride started in 2009, with the latest sixth section between Hooker Rd and the Velodrome in Cambridge opening in early March its had nearly 8000 users in two weeks.

Dylan Rushbrook, general manager of Tourism Central Otago, has seen the benefits of a trail ride firsthand.

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Dylan Rushbrook, general manager of Tourism Central Otago, has seen the benefits of a trail ride firsthand.

The 55-kilometre Lake Dunstan Trail, which opened in May 2021, attracted as many people in a month as was expected in an entire year.

The original business case predicted around 7000 people would use the trail in the first year. However, more than 62,500 people have used the track since it opened in May just 10 months ago.

Its been phenomenal how this trail has complemented the region and how it has helped the wider community thrive. Its not just tourism thats benefiting, but our retail sector, and the communities, too, Rushbrook said.

Lee Slater

The Lake Dunstan Trail is a super-scenic, fairly challenging full-day ride.

He said the launch of the Otago Central Rail Trail 21 years ago was the catalyst for the tourism economy.

Its been a gentle slow burn for tourism, its organically grown and as a result, weve seen more businesses pop up along the way to support this demand.

During Covid-19 and the locked borders, Kiwis fell back in love with biking again.

Rushbrook wished the trustees of Te Awa River Ride the best, saying both the community and tourism industry will benefit.

Cycle tourism is an absolute winner.

The Lake Dunstan Trail isnt considered one of New Zealands Great Rides, but an application has been submitted, Rushbrook said.

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The sixth section between Hooker Rd and the Velodrome in Cambridge opened in early March with nearly 8000 users since.

To be considered as one of New Zealands Great Rides it has to be a premium cycling experience, the best of the best, New Zealand Cycle Trails general manager Janet Purdey said.

It needs to be a multi-day experience, off-road with amazing scenery, have a high economic impact and an all-round great experience with accommodation and food, she said.

It has to be unique in its positioning and a bucket list experience.

Each year, nearly 2 million people use the 22 Great Rides which not only showcase the countrys landscapes but are also promote environmentally sustainable ways to reach major sites and activities.

Vanessa Williams of Hamilton Central Business Association said it would be such a win if Te Awa had that recognition, for both domestic and international tourism.

It showcases phenomenal assets in Waikato and people and the business community can get behind it.

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Vanessa Williams, general manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association, said the benefits to businesses would be phenomenal.

Williams, who spends a lot of time on the Karangahake Gorge track biking with her family, or walking the tunnels, says towns and businesses benefit from something like this.

People build in a shopping trip, or stay overnight or head out to the local caf. It doesnt need to be done in isolation.

Something like the Te Awa River Ride isnt something you do once, she said, it could even be an annual thing.

Anything that showcases our region, Im all for it.

MARK TAYLOR/Stuff

The river ride stretches along the Waikato River, from Ngruawhia in the north to Karpiro in the south, and has more than 300,000 users on the trail each year.

The man behind a Waikato Great Ride said there are fundamentals that people look for.

Glyn Wooller, general manager of the Waikato River Trail, said food and beverages are key, for both walkers and cyclists, as they quickly become part of the experience.

On the Waikato River Trail, people park at the little Waip reserve, bike to Arapunis Rhubarb Caf, or people have a multi-day experience and the need for accommodation comes in.

This means people spend money, and the whole point of the cycle trail project was to create opportunities for communities that might not otherwise see that.

Luke Kirkeby/Stuff

Waikato River Trail general manager Glyn Wooller has seen the benefits of the Great Ride title first hand.

The 103km Waikato River Trail is in the heart of the South Waikato and extends from tiamuri Village to the southern end of Lake Karpiro.

Both Wooller and Perry voiced their aspiration to connect the Waikato River Trail and Te Awa River Ride.

The quality of the Te Awa ride is outstanding and if we can connect these guys together you could ride from Ngruawhia to tiamuri, Wooller said.

MARK TAYLOR/Stuff

Its accessible to users of all ages and abilities and links regional assets and attractions.

Punters have been rolling into cafs since the Ngruawhia section opened, Waikato district mayor Allan Sanson said.

It's really opened up opportunities for businesses from right across the route, he said.

Good on them. It's a fantastic walk and it deserves national recognition.

Sanson, who started using the track when the country went in lockdown in 2020, says its worth its weight in gold.

Tom Lee/Stuff

Waikato district mayor Allan Sanson, Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate and Waipa mayor Jim Mylchreest support the trusts move to be considered a Great Ride.

Waip district mayor Jim Mylchreest couldnt see why Te Awa wouldn't qualify as a New Zealand Great Ride.

It spans a fair distance, with historic points along the way, follows the river and can be used as a commute into Hamilton.

Mylchreest said, since the first section opened further south in Leamington in 2009, theres been overwhelming support from businesses and the community.

Being recognised as a Great Ride would add marking and advertising nationally and internationally. But whether its a Great Ride or not its still a great recreation facility for the whole region.

MARK TAYLOR/Stuff

Nearly 2 million people use the 22 Great Rides each year.

The more we can establish business opportunities and take advantage of additional visitors in the region, whether thats in accommodation or rental bike hire, the better.

Its needed more than ever.

Meanwhile, Hamilton City mayor Paula Southgate said you dont need to be an Olympic cyclist or the fittest person to get through and enjoy it, its suitable and accessible for everyone.

I think we deserve the recognition. We have quality in Waikato and I can imagine - once complete the many people who will jump on their bikes or walk it, itll be fantastic.

MARK TAYLOR/Stuff

The Te Awa River Ride charitable trust will put in its application to be considered one of New Zealand Great Rides when the final section of the trail is complete.

Te Awa River Ride chairman Simon Perry added the trust is certainly not shy of trying out for a Great Walk too, saying its set up for both.

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Is this New Zealand's next Great Ride? - Stuff