A total of 42 new e-bike charging stations will be installed along some of the Great Rides cycle trails across New Zealand.
The Government has announced it will turbo-charge economic growth in the regions by backing five more trails to install 42 new e-bike charging stations, said Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston.
“These stations, which charge and secure multiple bikes, are making our cycle trails more accessible and attractive, both for tourists and locals enjoying our fantastic cycling network,” Louise Upston said.
The NZD 2.5 million investment comes from the Electrifying the Great Rides Fund and builds on the NZD 478,750 announced in June 2025 for 10 charging stations on two Great Rides, the Hawke’s Bay Trails and the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
“E-biking is gaining real momentum in the regions, so it makes sense for the Government to invest in infrastructure supporting increased usage on the Great Rides, as well as on the wider network of rides. Great Rides deliver an economic boost of NZD 1.28 billion to regional New Zealand.”
Upston added that this round also saw expanded eligibility criteria, now including the Heartland and Connector Rides, part of the wider Ngā Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail network.
“By broadening the criteria, we’re making rural and remote trails easier to access for visitors keen to explore more of our beautiful country.”
The trails having received funding in the latest round are the Little River Rail Trail in Canterbury, the Hauraki Rail Trail in Waikato, the Great Taste Trail in Nelson Tasman, the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop in Rotorua, and the Great Lake Trail in Tāupo.
“We’re proud to support further investment in our cycle network and pleased to see more trails taking up the opportunity for Government funding.”
The total funding available for the Electrifying the Great Rides Fund is NZD 3 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), and applicants must co-fund at least 50 percent of each charging site.
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