About Our Trail : The Story and People

Connected pathways from vision and cooperation

In the early days (1987), there was a race forged by a hardy bunch of multisporters that traversed the valleys and hills and rivers of the area. It was tough and challenging but became quite popular - gathering real pace in the mid 90's before it took a break. While this race navigated from the Mountains to the Tasman Sea - its routes did not always follow the trail as it is today, but its inspiration planted a seed for something new.

In 2010, the Government of the time announced an economic development opportunity based on getting a New Zealand cycle trail developed. The teams at Ruapehu District Council. Whanganui District Council supported by the Department of Conservation and iwi identified the opportunity to connect some existing trails together (ngā ara tūhono) for a totally unique journey from the mountains of Tongariro National Park to Whanganui and the Tasman Sea.

Today, the trail is managed as a unique entity with a team approach across the two councils and Department of Conservation with support from the Government via MBIE, along with many passionate community volunteers and supporters.

Our board includes representatives of Whanganui District Council, Ruapehu District Council, Ngāti Rangi, Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, Tupoho, Whanganui Māori Regional Tourism Organisation and Department of Conservation.

The trail could not exist without the proactive support and cooperation of local iwi and communities who are helping to enrich and develop the stories and the experience of this special whenua.

Our trails also their existence to the flow of the Whanganui river. Discover more about this special entity

Our Official Partners - Supporting you

A trail is about more than the gravel and land underneath your tyres - it is the wonderful hospitality and support you get from many small businesses along the route. The businesses listed on our website have committed to support the trail and your journey.

Each business has committed to operating sustainably, work to support the needs to cyclists and operate within the nature of our environment.

You can make a real difference to the lives and communities of our trail by supporting the people and businesses that support us.

If you're a business operating in the Ruapehu or Whanganui area, or a National business that supports cycling in our area, then contact us for more information on the programme,