Hauraki-Coromandel Recreational Biking Strategy
The Hauraki-Coromandel Recreational Biking Strategy was endorsed by our Council in its October 2023 meeting, following community engagement, which showed high levels of support and enthusiasm towards its goals and vision. The Strategy was initially developed by our regional destination management organisation, Destination Hauraki-Coromandel, to understand how mountain biking and cycling experiences in the Coromandel can be improved and developed.
The Strategy has a vision of creating a regionally significant, collaborative, sustainable cycling destination. It provides a set of ideas and actions to increase the amount of off-road cycling opportunities in our region. It aims to drive collaboration to achieve the following vision:
"The Coromandel is explored more sustainably by connecting communities and showcasing our environment to become a nationally significant mountain bike destination by 2032. Collaboratively, our goal is to create a world-class trail network and experience that preserves and enhances the environment for our residents, visitors and all who experience them.”
In a report recently commissioned by our Council about mountain biking in Coromandel forests, it was found that if mountain biking holiday makers followed a similar pattern to the present day, the increase in spend could increase up to nearly ten per cent - to $9.2 million in the next four years. Click here to view the report.
The Strategy presents a broad vision, rather than outlining specific areas of development. Before being endorsed by Council we gathered feedback from locals and community board members. The final version of the Strategy has been adapted to incorporate this feedback.
Community feedback summary
Overall, the majority of feedback was positive and constructive, showing substantial community support for, and interest in, the draft Hauraki-Coromandel Biking Strategy. The successful implementation of the Strategy will require collaboration, efficient governance, community engagement and strategic planning.
- 564 survey responses were recorded.
- 89 percent of respondents supported the Strategy's overall vision.
- 88 percent supported the Strategy's wellbeing goals.
- 65 percent of non-cycling locals supported the vision.
- 53 percent said they were more likely to visit new places within the region if trails were developed.
- 90 percent of respondents felt it was important to develop the trail network.
Top themes included:
- Strong support and demand for biking infrastructure and economic growth.
- Inclusive design required, to include riders of all abilities.
- Creating connections between communities is key to share benefits.
- Riders need safe access to pathways and trails.
- New developments should respect existing trails and other trail users.
Responses to key questions:
Council actions to support implementation of the Strategy
As a result of community engagement, the draft strategic actions for council have been reviewed and updated to:
• Support the creation of a Regional Local Trail Entity (RLTE).
• Develop a Business Case to request co-investment from Central Government for the establishment of the Regional Local Trail Entity and trail development work program.
• Allocate adequate staff resources to work with trail groups effectively.
• Develop a Thames Coromandel District Active Transport Network Plan, aligned with the national cycling plan. (Our Council's existing walking and cycling strategy is from 2008.)
• With Destination Hauraki Coromandel, support mountain biking as a core experience delivered by the regional hub towns in Hauraki Coromandel (Thames, Whitianga, Coromandel and Whangamatā).
If you have questions about the Hauraki-Coromandel Recreational Biking Strategy, please contact us.
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