The results are in and the Otago Central Rail Trail is New Zealand's favourite place to cycle.
The public voted for their favourite cycle-spot during Bike Wise month in February.
Rotorua Redwoods was a close second and the Queenstown Trail was third.
Otago Central Rail Trail Trust chairperson Kate Wilson is delighted with the competition's outcome.
"Being the original Great Ride, we are thrilled to still be recognised today and look forward to releasing some new plans for even better things in the next few months," she says.
"We are so grateful to the voters for the endorsement of the work of the Trust, Department of Conservation, all the businesses, communities and stakeholders who contribute to the Trail being a world-class experience."
Tracks competed for the coveted national title across four categories - Nga Haerenga-NZ Cycle Trail, Off-Road or Adventure Ride, Urban Trail or Commute and On-Road Ride.
As well as the National title, the Otago Central Rail Trail took out the category win for Nga Haerenga - NZ Cycle Trail.
Scenic views on the trail (Otago Central Rail Trail Marketing)
The competition is a great chance for Kiwis to showcase their favourite places to cycle, NZ Transport Agency's Dougal List says.
"Throughout Bike Wise Month, nearly 10,000 votes were cast to help us find NZ's Favourite Place to Cycle," he says.
"The Otago Central Rail Trail is a fantastic track, and is a well-deserved winner of NZ's Favourite Places to Cycle."
The development of the trail has paid dividends and created a fantastic tourism resource for the country.
After nearly 2,000 nominations and nearly 10,000 votes, the 2016 category winners are:
- NZ Cycle Trail: Otago Central Rail Trail
- Off-Road or Adventure Ride: Rotorua Redwoods
- Urban Trail or Commute: Napier
- On-Road Ride: Taupo and surrounds
Newshub.
