By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy Reporting
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton says the Government’s $10.8 million investment in the district’s cycle trail network could help future-proof the local economy by reducing reliance on snow-based tourism.
“The completion of our cycling and hiking trails is one of our best opportunities to strengthen our visitor economy and reduce our historical dependence on snow-based tourism in the face of climate change and other challenges,” Kirton said.
The funding, announced jointly by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, will complete the Te Ara Mangawhero trail and a new section of Te Hangāruru to the Last Spike.
The two routes are part of the 320km Ngā Ara Tūhono Mountains to Sea cycle journey.
Kirton said the announcement marks a major milestone in the council’s long-term goal of completing a world-class cycling and hiking network to build economic resilience.
“Council has been working toward this point for over 10 years with a vision for a world-class eco-tourism network of cycling and hiking trails that will help build Ruapehu’s economic resilience,” he said.
“With more than 56,000 journeys already undertaken annually on trails from Ohakune to Whanganui, completing the full Mountains to Sea trail network is one of council’s key economic development goals.”
When the Te Ara Mangawhero and Te Hangāruru sections are fully open by early 2027, only one short final section between the Last Spike and Waimarino (formerly National Park Village) will remain to complete the 231km journey from Tūroa ski field on Mt Ruapehu to Whanganui on the Tasman Sea.
“Together with the diversity of experiences Ruapehu already offers, the trails will attract more visitors year-round, delivering lasting economic benefits to local communities and the wider central North Island economy,” Kirton said.
He thanked the Government and Ministers Upston and Potaka for recognising the district’s tourism potential.
“The Government investment shows confidence in our region’s ability to deliver authentic, nature-based visitor experiences that contribute strongly to Aotearoa’s tourism story.”
Kirton said the announcement comes at a critical time for the district as it awaits decisions on the future of the WPI mill sites and the Chateau Tongariro Hotel.
“It’s a welcome boost for our region’s confidence and a signal that Government recognises the important role Ruapehu can play in the wider central North Island economy,” he said.
Economic studies suggest the completed Ngā Ara Tūhono Mountains to Sea trail network could contribute up to $60 million annually to the regional economy and create more than 400 jobs.
“These trails will not only be a magnificent outdoor adventure but deliver lasting economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits for future generations,” Kirton said.
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