Funding announced for visitor facilities on Mountains to Sea Great Ride

Published: 10 September 2026

Visitor facilities at Horopito on the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride will receive $405,000 from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

The funding will support the construction of public toilets, parking, safe shuttle access and associated visitor facilities at Horopito, where 3 major sections of the Great Ride converge near State Highway 4.

More than 67,000 journeys pass through Horopito each year. The investment will address a lack of formal visitor facilities and improve safety, accessibility and the overall visitor experience.

The project is considered shovel-ready, subject to remaining consenting requirements, and will be delivered by Ruapehu District Council.

MBIE media contact

Email: media@mbie.govt.nz