Rotorua to receive trophy for NZ's top cycling spot

FILE

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick will this week accept a trophy on behalf of the district, following a nationwide public vote that saw Rotorua named 'New Zealand's Favourite Place to Cycle'.

During Bike Wise Month (February) Kiwis were asked to vote for their favourite place to cycle, across four categories. The Redwoods (Whakarewarewa Forest) was voted the winner of the supreme award while also taking out the category award for 'NZ's Favourite Off-road/Adventure Ride'.

The 2015 award is the second successive year that Rotorua has been accorded the coveted title of the country's favourite cycling destination.

New Zealand Transport Agency national cycling manager, Dougal List, will present the trophy to Mrs Chadwick at a ceremony at Rotorua Lakes Council's Civic Centre on Thursday.

Mrs Chadwick said the award presentation was a great opportunity to recognise those in the community who, in partnership with the council and land owners, contributed to the success of the local forest trail network.

"Amazing collaboration and community contribution is required to make the forest available to ride - for free - and to keep its trails and surrounding infrastructure well maintained," she said.

"For almost 25 years, Rotorua Mountain Bike Club, local volunteers and Corrections Department crews have constructed and maintained hundreds of kilometres of trails. Forest management companies and Rotorua Lakes Council manage the wider recreational opportunities and infrastructure, while balancing the needs of a productive plantation forest.

"Special appreciation must go to the iwi landowners for whom the land has cultural and historical significance. Their generosity allows ongoing public access and recreational development of their land, as they understand the value that mountain biking has to Rotorua, its people and its economy.

"This award is a celebration of these partnerships and all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. It's recognition for everyone who has contributed in some way to the success of mountain biking in Rotorua."

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