New Cycle Trail for Hawke’s Bay gets feasibility nod
February 11, 2010
Local MP’s Chris Tremain and Craig Foss are delighted that the Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trail, ‘Heretaunga Ararua: Land of a Hundred Pathways’ has been accepted as one of 13 to go on to the feasibility stage.
‘We are absolutely thrilled that our cycle trail project has been selected out of the 54 put forward,’ says Tukituki MP Craig Foss.’ This is an important step of the process and I want to congratulate those who have worked hard on this project, in particular the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Graeme Hansen of the Works Group and Michael Bassett-Foss of Venture Hawkes Bay.’
“What I’m really excited about is the vision for the wider cycle trail in Hawke’s Bay” says Chris Tremain. “This is just stage one. Stage two and three will complete the picture of three iconic rides around the bay. This will mean cycle tourists can stay in any part of the province and access the three rides over a number of days.”
‘It is envisaged that there will be a nationwide network of iconic Great Rides,’ adds Mr Foss. ‘Having Hawke’s Bay as one of them is very exciting; it will be a great boost to Tourism and Employment’
‘We should not underestimate what this could do for Tourism in Hawke’s Bay,’ says Mr Tremain. ‘I am very hopeful that we will one-day soon be able to show off our stunning scenery and fantastic hospitality to a whole new tourist clique.’
Both MPs agree that Hawke’s Bay’s bid was advantaged by the initial work undertaken by the Rotary Clubs of Hawke’s Bay and the City Councils. They say that these organisations have laid the foundations for an outstanding cycling experience.
While the Tukituki ride is the first to be accepted the bid also included applications for iconic rides through the Ngatarawa Wine region and a loop down the Tutaekuri River to Otatara Pa and then out to Bay View along the Estuary.
The feasibility study is expected to be completed by 31 May 2010 and construction of the chosen Cycle Trails will begin by the end of the year.
For further information about Nga Haeranga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail, go to www.tourism.govt.nz/cycleway <http://www.tourism.govt.nz/cycleway> .
