E-biking was “gaining real momentum”, Louise Upston said.
Photo: Creative Commons
Five cycle trails will receive funding to install e-bike charging stations, in a move the government said would make trails more accessible and attractive for tourists and locals.
The trails will receive a combined $2.5 million to install 42 charging stations, in the second round of contestable funding.
Tourism minister Louise Upston said the Great Rides delivered an economic boost of $1.28 billion to regional New Zealand.
“E-biking is gaining real momentum in the regions, so it makes sense for the government to invest in infrastructure supporting increased usage on the Great Rides, as well as on the wider network of rides,” she said.
The money comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, a $100 fee charged to international visitors alongside their visa or NZeTA.
Applicants have to co-fund at least 50 percent of each site.
In the second round, funding was opened up to include not only the Great Rides, but also the Heartland and Connector rides.
Tourism minister Louise Upston said the Great Rides delivered an economic boost of $1.28 billion to regional New Zealand.
Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
“By broadening the criteria, we’re making rural and remote trails easier to access for visitors keen to explore more of our beautiful country,” Upston said.
The Hauraki Rail Trail received the largest purse, getting $840,000 to build 14 charging stations.
Tasman’s Great Taste Trail and Whakarewarewa Forest Loop each received $720,000 for 12 stations each.
The Little River Rail Trail received $180,000 for three charging stations, and the Great Lake Trail got $60,000 for one charging station.
In the first round of funding, Hawke’s Bay Trails received $287,250 in funding for six e-charging stations, while the Remutaka Cycle Trail got $191,500 for four e-charging stations.
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