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,” said Mayor Kirton.

“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.

The completion of our cycling and hiking trails is one of our best opportunities to strengthen our visitor economy and reduce our historical dependence on snow-based tourism in the face of climate change and other challenges.

When the Te Ara Mangawhero and Te Hangāruru sections are fully open by early 2027, only one final section short section between the Last Spike and Waimarino (National Park Village) will remain to complete the 231 km journey from Tūroa ski field on Mt Ruapehu to Whanganui on the Tasman Sea.

Together with the diversity of experiences Ruapehu already offers, the trails will attract more visitors year-round, delivering lasting economic benefits to local communities and the wider Central North Island economy,” he said.

Mayor Kirton said that Council would like to thank the Government and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Hon Louise Upston and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka for their support of Ruapehu tourism and recognising the economic potential that the completed Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle journey will deliver.

“The Government investment shows confidence in our region’s ability to deliver authentic, nature-based visitor experiences that contribute strongly to Aotearoa’s tourism story.”

Mayor Kirton noted that the funding announcement could not have come at a more critical time for Ruapehu as the district awaits decisions on the future use of the WPI mill sites and Chateau Tongariro Hotel redevelopment.

“It’s a welcome boost for our region’s confidence and a signal that Government recognises the important role Ruapehu can play in the wider Central North Island economy,” he said.

Economic studies suggest the completed Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono trail network could contribute up to $60 million annually to the regional economy and create over 400 jobs.

“These trails will not only be a magnificent outdoor adventure but deliver lasting economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits for future generations,” said Mayor Kirton.

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