The Lake Dunstan Trail in Central Otago has been awarded Great Ride status by the government.
The 55km cycle trail links Clyde and Cromwell. Photo: Facebook / Lake Dunstan Cycle & Walking Trail
It will join the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop near Rotorua and 21 other trails on the Great Rides network.
The trail, which connects Clyde and Cromwell along the opposite side of Lake Dunstan to State Highway 8 in Central Otago, has attracted 83,000 users since opening in May last year.
Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust chairperson Stephen Jeffery said it had eclipsed all expectations.
"The numbers that have gone across the trail in this last year ... are incredibly high. I'm not sure it'll go much higher but it has been a very positive outcome for the first year. And for our local economy, it's probably put about $10-$12 million into, so a very good outcome."
Great Ride status would further boost the trail and opened it up to greater funding opportunities as well as international attention just as the borders were reopening.
"I am delighted with the announcement from the minister that the trail has been awarded Great Ride status - it is a significant achievement. The trail has been constructed to a very high standard, meeting and in many areas surpassing Ngā Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail (NZCT) standards," Jeffery said.
Central Lakes Trust chair Linda Robertson said the vision from the outset was to create a world-class and accessible trail network linking the Great Rides in the area.
"Joining of the trail network is a huge initiative, and The Lake Dunstan Trail's success and indeed its new status is testament to that vision for our community and to what the entire network will become."