The easter weekend and start of the school holidays has seen strong demand for bike rentals for local businesses.

Clyde's Central Cycle Trail Co Adventure coordinator Mandy Clearwater said it had been ‘mental’ and ‘so so busy’.

“We’ve sold out of bikes until the end of May."

She said they had lots of families going out on both the Otago Rail Trail and the Lake Dunstan Trail.

“Big groups of around 15-20 people on the rail trail and then two shuttles each day to Dunstan, each shuttle has 11 people.

“People have been saying Clyde is pumping and... it’s better than Arrowtown.”

She said they had clients visiting from all over New Zealand and those from the North Island were loving the weather with the cold starts and then beautiful sunny days.

“Not many are cancelling due to covid now… it’s been really good and we’ve actually had to turn lots of people away.”

Strong demand was also felt in other businesses as She Bikes He Bikes said on their answerphone message that they had no available bikes for the Dunstan Trail until after April 23.

A spokesperson for Trail Journeys said they'd been really hectic too, getting people set up on bikes to get out there and make the most of the holidays.

New Zealand’s iconic cycle trails, such as those in Central Otago are experiencing a boom in popularity and new research shows they are driving economic activity in the regions as well as benefits for health and wellbeing.

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has released two reports into cycle trails and cycle tourism. The first report analyses the 22 Great Rides in the Ngā Haerenga cycle trail network. The second report provides insights into cycle tourism trends here and in Australia. 

“The second report, Cycle Tourism Insights, shows around 27 percent of Kiwi adults participate in cycle tourism and a further 18 per cent are interested in a cycle holiday in the next two years. The potential local cycle tourism market totals 1.8 million people.

“The re-opening of the Australian tourism market provides a prime opportunity to develop cycle tourism in New Zealand.

“An estimated 21 per cent of adult Australians already participate in cycle tourism, while a further 13 per cent are interested in a cycle holiday in the next two years.

The potential Australian cycle tourism market totals around 6.9 million people.

“The cycle trails in New Zealand are world-leading and the network in the lower half of the South Island is especially impressive," Minister Nash said.

Tourism Central Otago has launched a second set of safety videos to ensure everyone using local trails has a great experience. They feature locals and visitors on a mix of trails and focus on being aware of weather, isolation and choosing the right trails for your skill level and rider group.

Tourism Central Otago General Manager Dylan Rushbrook said indications were that it would be incredibly busy easter and school holiday period on Central's trails.

"Being considerate is key to everyone having a great time. These safety messages are not just for a commercial operator’s clients – they are for locals, friends, family and visitors too. 

Trail tip #6 - Weather Variations VIDEO: Tourism Central Otago

“The Otago region is lucky to have a choice of trails for all abilities. We really encourage people to choose a trail that fits their ability so that they enjoy their experience and don’t end up in trouble and needing assistance,” Dylan said.

For more information: The two reports released by Minister Nash wereThe 2021 Evaluation of Ngā Haerenga Great Rides and the New Zealand Cycle Trails and Cycle Tourism Insights Research Report. They are available on the MBIE website.