The Hauraki Rail Trail is proving to be one of our community’s most-loved and important assets. Recent economic benefit figures show that even after the terrible events of Cyclone Hale and Gabrielle in early 2023, that users of the Trail spend up large, with analysis showing a return of $31million to our local community last year.
Photo credit: Riverside Adventures
Research undertaken by Get Smart over the past seven years, shows the increasing demand and spend of people on the Trail. Pre Covid, the return from Trail users was assessed as being in the mid $20m mark, with COVID dropping the returns to $23m.
Post COVID this soared to $35m, before dipping again in 2023, when the cyclones shut down the usually busy summer season.
“This year is looking stronger than ever,” said Diane Drummond, CEO of the Hauraki Rail Trail, “with returns for the first three months of 2024, already returning nearly $14m to our local community.”
Research undertaken by Angus & Associates indicates the economic return generated by users on all 23 of the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, generated $950million in 2021, with forecasts by Central Government for the returns to reach $2billion within the next ten years across the network of Great Rides.
Photo credit: Riverside Adventures - refuelling at Café 77 on Section E
Locals love the Hauraki Rail Trail for many reasons, including physical and mental health. It also offers the opportunity for people to connect across multi-generations.
Last year, the figures tell us that 52% of our users were locals, often riding with friends and family, while 46% came from out of our region, and the final 3% coming from offshore.
“Forecasts are strong for a solid year,” said Diane. “The first three months are the strongest we have had on record, if mother nature plays her part.”
Photo: Te Aroha to Matamata
Investment by our three District Councils currently returns $20 to the community for every dollar spent. “I wouldn’t mind that kind of investment return on my KiwiSaver,” Diane says. “And those figures don’t include the investment made by local businesses who are gearing up to meet the demand.”
Continued investment in the Hauraki Rail Trail is critical to ensure we remain the Trail of choice for those wanting to hone their skills before taking on the rest of the Great Ride Trail Network.
Photo: All set for adventures with Official Partners Sue and Pete at Biking Hiking Shuttles
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