1 March 2012
First-Ever Visit Ruapehu TVC Peddles Local Bike Trails
Visit Ruapehu launched its first-ever TVC campaign last weekend to drive interest in the region’s two cycle trails which
form part of the Government’s national cycleway network.
The Ruapehu region is home to two of the 19 Great Trail Rides that make up the New Zealand Cycle Trail network, and
Visit Ruapehu is the country’s first regional tourism operator to launch such a high profile campaign to drive domestic
traffic to the region to explore the historic cycle trails.
The TVC represents the first time the RTO has invested significantly in television advertising.
The 30 second TVC was filmed and produced by a local team, and encourages Kiwis to swap the intense city ‘rat-race’ for
a change of pace, and a more relaxing mode of transport through visually stunning imagery of Ruapehu trails such as the
Bridge to Nowhere, Fishers Track, and Ohakune Old Coach Road.
Visit Ruapehu Trust General Manager, Mike Smith says investing in a new TVC campaign reinforces the organisation’s
commitment to raising awareness of the local trails that form part of the Government’s wider network.
“The Government has made developing the national cycle trail network a priority and we’re pleased to be the first to
develop such a high profile campaign to generate awareness of our trails,” says Mr Smith. “We’ve created a TVC campaign
which demonstrates that the Ruapehu region is a destination that offers the perfect escape with cycling being one of the
best ways to enjoy it.”
“As well as profiling the longer trail options we want to communicate that there are shorter half-day trail alternatives
such as the Ohakune Old Coach Road and Fisher’s Track, perfect for those looking for short-break options.”
“The next few months are perfect to discover mountain biking in and around the Ruapehu region and we encourage all North
Islanders to escape the city and spend a few days with us.”
Ruapehu’s Two Great Trail Rides include the Mountains to the Sea and the Timber Trail. All but one of the trails making
up the 317km Mountains to Sea Trail are completed and are ready to ride, with the last trail (Kaiwhakauka) opening in
April this year. The Timber Trail through the Pureora Forest Park from Pureroa and Ongarue will have a partial opening
in spring this year.
Visit www.visitruapehu.com for more information on the two cycle trails, accommodation, and bike transport options.
ENDS
About the cycle trails:
The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail and the Timber Trail form part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail and together will cover almost 400km in trails exploring the Ruapehu region
from Mt Ruapehu to the Whanganui River, and through the Pureora Forest Park north of Taumarunui.
Both trails cater for a range of abilities from beginners and families to competitive riders. The full Mountain to Sea Trail (317km) takes between 4-6 days, but extra activities such as jet boat rides along the Whanganui River from the trail’s
end to Pipiriki can add to the adventure. The trails that make up the Mountains to Sea include the Ohakune Old Coach
Road, Fishers Track at National Park Village, Kaiwhakauka Track, Mangapurua Track and finally the Bridge to Nowhere and
Mangapurua Landing.
The Timber Trail is still under construction, and is a new two-day cycleway on the western side of the Hauhungaroa Range between Pureora
and Ongarue. When completed it will provide 80 km of cycling and follow historic bush tramways, old bulldozer and haul
roads, and newly constructed track. The Timber Trail will also be able to be walked.