NZCT Inc. was established in 2014 as an independent body responsible for the long-term governance and management of the New Zealand Cycle Trail.

The brand Ngā Haerenga means ‘the journeys’, both in a physical and spiritual sense, which is the experience The New Zealand Cycle Trail offers.

NZCT Inc. operates under the direction of a board consisting of five elected voluntary members and a paid Chair appointed by the government. In addition, NZCT Inc. employs a general manager and several part-time supporting contractors.

Together, our purpose is to grow New Zealand through sustainable and outstanding cycling experiences – revitalising regions through new and improved cycling infrastructure, high-value tourism and job creation. The trails also benefit communities by fostering a life-long love of recreation amongst its people. 

The New Zealand Cycle Trail now occupies an important place in New Zealand’s tourism landscape, particularly in the area of sustainable travel. It fits perfectly under the 100% Pure NZ brand and is a growing contributor to Tourism New Zealand’s efforts to grow regional and seasonal visitation. 

By enabling and promoting cycling and associated infrastructure all over New Zealand, all year round, New Zealand Cycle Trial Inc. delivers on Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s (TIA) Tourism 2025 goals addressing issues of seasonality, regional dispersal, and driving value through outstanding and sustainable visitor experiences.

NZCT Inc. continues to work closely with local communities, stakeholders, the Department of Conservation, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and MBIE to maximise the tourism value from the New Zealand Cycle Trail network by driving economic benefit through the commercialisation of the trails. It delivers workshops across the country on marketing, product development and experience development, with particular focus on the Great Rides that show the greatest potential to further deliver on cultural tourism, regional dispersal and seasonality challenges. 

Future plans include building stronger relationships with and between trail operators such as accommodation, food, cycle tour and shuttle companies. NZCT also aims to foster closer co-operation between those operators and local trail governance and management, with the outcome of trails delivering outstanding customer experiences.

NZCT Inc. is also focused on growing the international cycle tourism market, specifically the active traveller market. In particular, NZCT Inc. plans to work closely with Tourism New Zealand to target key Australian markets and travel agents.

The success of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project is evaluated through ongoing surveys, annual trail warrants of fitness and trail counters. The 2016 NZ Cycle Trails Evaluation Report, produced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), is the latest report detailing the impact of this initiative.