Open for Business

The first of New Zealand’s ‘Great Rides’, the 64km St James Cycle Trail, has been opened by the Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson. This section is the first fully competed track in the Nga Haerenga — The New Zealand Cycle Trail network. Of the 18 nationally promoted cycle trails, the St James requires the greatest level of experience to complete. Experienced mountain bikers are expected to complete the full trail, which follows the Waiau River in roughly 1 hours. There are four huts along the way, providing the opportunity for multi-day expeditions. Wilkinson said: “This is a real tourism asset and I have no doubt it will draw thousands of cyclists a year. The landscape is stunning and managing these sorts of natural assets is dependent on a good balance between protection and public access.”