$1.6 million to reopen Great Taste Cycle Trail

Severe weather in June and July caused extensive flooding and wind damage. The funding will go towards repairing damaged sections, replacing infrastructure and creating alternative routes where riverbank paths are no longer possible.

The funding means the trail can reopen in time for summer, bringing visitors back to the Nelson-Tasman region, and supporting local businesses, jobs and communities.

The 200km Great Taste Cycle Trail is one of 23 Great Rides that make up Ngā Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trails. More than 2 million people use these 23 rides each year, contributing an estimated $1 billion to regional economies.

The funding comes from the New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund, which is supported with revenue from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.

The Government has also recently announced it is providing $50,000 to the Nelson Tasman region for domestic tourism marketing, giving a much-needed boost to local businesses following the June/July severe weather events.

Re-opening the Great Taste Cycle Trail(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz