An exciting prospect for summer cycling will be trying one or two of the new National Cycle Trail’s ‘Great Rides’ that are starting to openuparoundthecountry (the closest ones for now will be in Northland and in the Coromandel). You may even meet overseas tourists staying on after the Cup to enjoy our countryside, small towns and local hospitality – by bike.

A new New Zealand Cycle Trail initiative is also on the horizon to link the ‘Great Rides’ by an ‘expansion network’. These routes will mostly use rural roads more friendly for cycling, and will ultimately link the Great Rides to form a national cycling touring network.

We’ve been working with the NCT’s project team since early summer to bring the expansion network to Auckland. We’ve scoped out a trail from the airport to the Central City, showcasing the new off-road facilities at Mangere Bridge, SH 20, and the expanded sections of the north-western cycleway. The project team were very impressed to see the cycling facilities Auckland has to offer for visitors!  Martin Fryer from Auckland Airport has also been helping plan safe routes through the airport precinct, as he and his colleagues fully support the project.

A second expansion network application is intended for Waiheke, taking visitors from Matiatia, past villages, cafes, beaches and vineyards to link with the Coromandel ferry at Orapui.

Auckland Transport is likely to lodge these applications, so we will keep you posted on progress.

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