Cycle trails from Kingston to Bluff and Around the Mountain from Walter Peak to Kingston may be a step closer to reality with preliminary investigations underway.

The seven southern-most local bodies are working with the Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism New Zealand to progress the projects.

Proposals for cycle-ways in Southland pre-date Prime Minister John Key’s national cycle-way projects so the region is well placed to take advantage of any funding that may be available as planning is significantly in advance of other regions.

Cycle trails will open up areas of our region that may not have been accessible before. It is believed that the trails will have an economic benefit to some smaller rural towns and in addition would provide a connection to the Lakes District.

Cycle tourists represent a valuable and growing segment of New Zealand’s tourism sector and it is a market segment with untapped potential. The real value is that it involves both the domestic and international visitor market, in doing so, the cycle trail project will add to the experiences and opportunities available to residents and visitors to the region.

The developments will assist in revitalising communities by increasing revenue and employment opportunities and providing visitors with a unique and high quality experience.