Media Release
7 December 2011

New Hawke’s Bay Trails Map - launched to meet growing demand
20,000 copies of the new Hawke’s Bay Trails map are being distributed to meet increasing demand from both local and visiting walkers and riders as well as the businesses that support them.

The map details three official New Zealand Cycle Trail rides - Landscapes, Water and Wineries - that when fully completed will provide over 180km of trails making up Hawke’s Bay Trails.

Hawke’s Bay has a total investment of $5.5 million in this largely off-road walking and cycling network. This major investment has the full support of Hawke’s Bay Tourism, which is working with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on promoting Hawke’s Bay Trails locally, nationally and internationally. The new map is also a key component of a promotion strategy.

The economic impact of Hawke’s Bay Trails has been noted by HBRC Chairman Fenton Wilson.

“Not only have new businesses started up, many existing local businesses such as cafés, wineries and accommodation providers are seeing increased trade from cyclists using the Trails”.

Annie Dundas, general manager of Hawke’s Bay Tourism, has seen a real increase in interest and support for Hawke’s Bay Trails from local tourism operators.

“Local operators see how it can add real value to their businesses and we see Hawke’s Bay Trails as a wonderful linking mechanism to all the fabulous tourism attractions in the region.”

“We are also seeing increased interest in the Trails from both national and international media. Cycling the Hawke’s Bay Trails provides travel, food and wine writers a unique and fun way of visiting many of our local ‘destinations’ and then promoting Hawke’s Bay to their readers offshore, ” said Ms Dundas.

Brian Fisher from Fishbike cycle hire in Napier is desperate to get copies of the new map.

“My last lot of maps went like hot cakes. Demand for the map is huge,” said Mr Fisher.

Brian, who recently added another 20 bikes to his fleet, loves to hear the incredibly positive feedback from his clients.
“They can’t believe how big and scenic the Hawke’s Bay Trail’s network is. Being able to bike these trails is adding a whole new dimension to our visitors’ experiences of Hawke’s Bay.”

Hilton Taylor from Revolution Bikes in Havelock North says the expansion of Hawke’s Bay Trails has not only led to demand from cyclists for a detailed map, but more importantly demand for a particular bike.

“Sales of Pathway Trail bikes have doubled in the last year and have now become a very important part of our business. People are looking for a comfortable easy-to-ride bike for the Trails. This demand is a direct result of Hawke’s Bay Trails,” said Mr Taylor.

The new map will be available at any Hawke’s Bay i-SITE or Visitor Information Centre as well as many trail-related businesses. It is also available online at www.hbrc.govt.nz or www.hawkesbaynz.com.

While significant parts of the trail network are already in place HBRC asks trail users to observe signage, keep to the track, and share the track with other users, particularly where parts of the trail are incomplete. Some sections of Trail are still under construction or final confirmation, so please observe signage.

ENDS

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