Redwoods named NZ's favourite cycling spot

SUPPLIED

Rotorua's Redwoods has been voted New Zealand's favourite place to cycle.

This summer, Bike Wise asked Kiwis to nominate and vote for their favourite places to cycle from around New Zealand. After receiving thousands of votes, New Zealand has spoken!

The Redwoods (Whakarewarewa Forest) took out the esteemed title of 'NZ's Favourite Place to Cycle' as as well as the category win for 'NZ's favourite 'off-road/adventure ride' this year.

Taupo also featured among the winners, its lake front trails winning the favourite urban trail/commute category and the Taupo area named the best on-road ride.

Dougal List, National Cycling Manager for the NZ Transport Agency, the organisation which funds and co-ordinates Bike Wise, said the competition was about Kiwis identifying, sharing and celebrating their favourite places to cycle.

"The many thousands of votes and nominations received demonstrate just how many Kiwis love to cycle and the myriad of well-loved places where we can ride our bikes.

"The Redwoods in Rotorua has taken out NZ's Favourite Places to Cycle two years running, so it shows what a popular destination this is for people who cycle," said Mr List.

People who placed nominations and votes were automatically entered into a draw to win an Avanti Montari mountain bike and helmet sponsored by Avantiplus.

NZ's Favourite Places to Cycle competition was first launched in February 2014 to celebrate Bike Wise Month, which takes place in February each year and involves a festival of fun cycling events.

The 2015 category winners are:
Nga Haerenga - NZ Cycle Trail: Otago Rail Trail
Off-Road or Adventure Ride and overall winner: The Redwoods (Whakarewarewa Forest), Rotorua
Urban Trail or Commute: Taupo lake front trails
On-Road Ride: Taupo and surrounds