**A cyclist On Fishers Track Trail. Photo: Visit Ruapehu**

Two Central North Island cycle trails have been given Government funding, bringing the trail from Mt Ruapehu to the West Coast almost to completion.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston this week announced the Government will fund the completion of the Te Ara Mangawhero and Te Hangāruru trails, connecting them into the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle journey.

The two routes are among the last sections needed to complete the full trail from Mount Ruapehu to the Tasman Sea, with just one short section between the Last Spike and Waimarino (National Park Village) remaining before cyclists can complete the 231km journey.

Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust and Te Korowai o Wainuiārua are leading the project alongside Ngā Ara Tūhono Trust and the Department of Conservation.

Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka says the trails will strengthen local communities and regional economies while enhancing the environment.

“This kaupapa is linking our people, our stories, and our whenua.

“This is another powerful example of partnership in action. Together, they’re creating experiences that honour the rich experiences and cultural significance of the land.

“Visitors come to Aotearoa New Zealand for our landscapes, our bush, and our stories. Te Ara Mangawhero and Te Hangāruru will nurture that connection, places where visitors and locals alike can experience the beauty, meaning, and identity of this region.

Due to be completed by early 2027, the works totalling $10.8 million will be funded by the International Visitor Levy and the recently announced Major Events and Tourism Package.

Sections of the track will be open to the public as they are completed, with the full project due to be concluded in early 2027.

“Our Government’s Major Events and Tourism Package has been designed to drive visitor spending, support local businesses, and create jobs up and down the country. Ready-to-go projects like these cycle trails will bring more visitors to the region, entice them to stay longer, and build confidence in the local economy,” Upston says.

“Adding to the diversity of experiences in the Ruapehu district will develop long term resilience across our tourism sector. It’s a stunning part of New Zealand and it deserves to be showcased.”

Ruapehu District Council is celebrating the Government’s announcement of a $10.8 million investment to complete the Te Ara Mangawhero trail and Te Hangāruru trail to the Last Spike, connecting them into the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle journey.

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton said the funding marks a major milestone in Council’s long-term goal of completing its cycling and hiking trail network and strengthening the district’s tourism economy.

“Council has been working toward this point for over ten years with a vision for a world-class eco-tourism network of cycling and hiking trails that will help build Ruapehu’s economic resilience,” Kirton says.

“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.