The New Zealand Cycle Trail project has entered a new stage of its development as final funding was approved this week for the last of the 18 "Great Rides" that will form the nationwide cycle network. The final five trails to have their funding confirmed are Bay of Islands to Hokianga, Hauraki Plains, Te Ara Ahi/Pathway of Fire, Old Ghost Road and Roxburgh Gorge. The New Zealand government has approved a total of NZ$45.6 million ($33.49 million) for the series of rides. Prime Minister John Key said, "All 18 trails on the New Zealand Cycle Trail project have now had their funding confirmed. This means all trails are either under construction or ready to enter the construction phase."
Cyclists will be able to go through some of the most iconic and picturesque parts of New Zealand once the cycle trail is complete. The 18 "Great Rides" are expected to provide more than 1,200 miles of cycleway once completed. Construction has already begun on five of the trails -- the Bay of Islands to Hokianga Cycle Trail, Waikato River Trail, Central North Island Rail Trail, Te Ara Ahi, Ruapehu-Whanganui Nga Ara Tuhono and St. James cycle trail.
Two major sections of the Ruapehu-Whanganui Nga Ara Tuhono trail were officially launched by Key in July and are expected to be completed before the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The finished trail will traverse two iconic national parks and will take four to six days to cycle, with varying levels of difficulty.
The St. James trail in the South Island, which traverses the St. James mountain range and the greater part of the upper Waiau Valley, is set to open in November this year. The 30-mile cycle trail is accessible through Hanmer Springs, near Christchurch. Sections of the Waikato River Trail are also currently open for public use. All 18 trails will be completed by the summer of 2012-13 and about 1,200 miles will be ready to ride by the 2011 RWC. For more information, visit www.tourismnewzealand.com.
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