NZ’s Great Integrated Rides

NZ’s Great Integrated Rides
Research Paper
March 2024
Paul Callister and Heidi O’Callahan

Abstract
Aotearoa New Zealand has a superb network of cycle trails. Travelling to these by train is a way to experience the best of Aotearoa’s natural beauty, enjoy some healthy recreation, and to do so in style, while feeling good about your carbon choices. Other trails can potentially be reached by coach, and combining coach and train can open up another raft of holiday options.

Trains, supported by coach travel where trains cannot reach, should be at the centre of any low emission tourism strategy. Bikes and trains especially are a perfect mix.

Table of contents
Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail network ...........................................6
Ohakune as a cycling destination ................................................................8
Ohakune’s Rail Connections .......................................................................9
The cost of a rail trip to Ohakune .............................................................. 11
How can we make this work better? ......................................................... 13
Waikato - Te Awa River Ride and the Waikato River Trails............................ 14
Rotorua rides - getting there by train ........................................................ 16
Hawkes Bay - exploring wineries by bike.................................................... 17
The Timber Trail - reviving an old station ................................................... 18
The South Island ..................................................................................... 19
Long distance coaches............................................................................. 20
A transition to low impact tourism ............................................................ 21
Of course, tourism is just one part of the market ........................................ 22

See attached PDF for the full paper.