Kia ora,
What a privilege it was to gather with so many of you at this year’s AGM a month ago! Seeing Councillors, bike adovacates and representatives from trail groups right across our network come together in one room really highlighted the strength and diversity of our community. Thank you for taking the time to be there your dedication to enhancing Dunedin’s tracks and trails was really inspiring.
Also, we are delighted to share some exciting news about the Coastal Connection. We’re currently planning an official opening for February, and we’ll have full details for you in the next newsletter. This is a significant milestone for the Trust and represents countless hours of collaboration and hard work from so many people. We can’t wait to celebrate this achievement with you all early next year.
More information coming soon.
Thanks for your support.
Kā mihi,
The Dunedin Track and Trails Team
The Great Rides Deliver: New Data Shows Powerful Returns
We’re excited to share findings from the latest national evaluation of Ngā Haerenga Great Rides. This comprehensive study provides powerful evidence of what we’ve long believed; that quality cycle trails deliver extraordinary value far beyond recreation.
The results (year ending June 2025) reveal compelling impacts across economic, social, and environmental measures, strengthening the case for continued investment in Dunedin’s trail network.
Economic Impact The 23 Great Rides delivered $1.28 billion in visitor expenditure, a 35% increase since 2021. Over 1.3 million visitors travelled to trail regions specifically because of the trails, generating 4.5 million visitor nights. International visitors, though only 13% of users, contributed 28% of total spending.
Business Growth Nearly half (45%) of trail-related businesses were established after their local Great Ride opened, while 72% of existing businesses expanded their services. These businesses reported increased customer numbers (74%) and improved profits (51%).
Community Wellbeing Trails deliver a $696 million health benefit for New Zealanders. Users report improved mental health (57%) and physical fitness (57%), while 87% of stakeholders say trails are valued by their community.
World-Class Experience With a Net Promoter Score of +79 and 73% of users rating their experience 9-10 out of 10, the Great Rides set the benchmark for quality trail experiences.
What This Means for Dunedin
These findings demonstrate that quality trails deliver measurable returns across economic, social, and environmental outcomes – essential infrastructure for building prosperous, healthy, and climate-resilient communities.
Taieri-Mosgiel cycle trail consent application lodged
Exciting progress on the Taieri-Mosgiel cycle trail! Resource consent has been lodged for the 15km first stage between Mosgiel and Outram.
We’re working closely with ORC and NZTA to bring this vision to life, linking with the Clutha Gold Trail and Dunedin Tunnels Trail. Opening up our region for cycling across towns and cities. Watch this space!
Interesting reads
// Government invests $2 million in Tunnels Trail
Backing a Dunedin cycleway that traverses two tunnels to the tune of $2 million was an “easy decision”, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. The funding will cover the extension of the cycle trail’s second and third stages. Read the article.
// Cycling and mental health
Christmas holidays are almost here. This can be a stressful time of the year with family, but also just finishing work. But did you know cycling can actually help with that? Cycling is a real stress reliever. So no excuse for that next ride.
// Cycletrails; the overseas version
There are a wide range of cycle trails all over the world. Check out this video, shot from a cargo bike with doggo in Old Zealand (the Netherlands).
Check out the Youtube video:
Happy riding!
Dunedin Tracks Network Trust, Ōtepoti, Otago, New Zealand