Wellington, July 28 NZPA - The seven legs of the national cycleway announced by the Government are:

* Hokianga to Opua/Russell -- Kaikohe to Okaihau section.

The project would see a 90-kilometre trail from the Hokianga Harbour on the Far North West coast through to Opua/Russell in the Bay of Islands developed. The trail would pass through 11 towns and settlements.

The first section to be completed would be 12km of an old rail corridor between Kaikohe and Okaihau. The trail is historically significant with the area's European history pre-dating the New Zealand land wars, and in parts follows ancient Maori trails.

* Hauraki Plains Trails -- Paeroa through Karangahake Gorge to Waihi and Paeroa to Thames (portion of trail).

- The Paeroa to Karangahake Gorge through to Waihi trail would include historic gold-mining areas, then follow the river down to Waikino to the head of the vintage railway which leads into Waihi.

- The Paeroa to Thames trail would follow a disused railway line with access to areas of ecological significance such as wetlands, that are also being developed, and historic sites. Development of an initial portion of this trail is suggested at this stage.

* Waikato River Trail -- Waipapa Dam to Lake Karapiro and Whakamaru to Mangakino.

The total Waikato River Trail will be 100km long and follow the Waikato River and five hydro-lakes from Atiamuri to Horahora. Thirty kilometres of trails were already open for use, 23km are built but yet to be opened, 6km are under construction and a further 41km are planned.

The remaining 41km are sections from a) Waipapa Dam to Lake Karapiro and b) Whakamaru to Mangakino.

These sections are rich in geological and cultural history. Prominent rock formations feature the ancient history of Taupo and Mangakino vulcanology.

Family off-road cycling is the target market with a mountain-biking grade of 2-3 (moderate). The route is connected at both ends to State Highway 1. Thirty five kilometres of it are adjacent to State Highway 30 between Rotorua and Waitomo, with Arapuni also on the northern Rotorua-Waitomo link.

* Central North Island Rail Trail

The proposed 60km (two-day) cycleway runs from Puerora (off State Highway 30), southwards toward Ongarue and Taumarunui (State Highway 4). Ninety five percent of the proposed track would be on the DOC estate.

The proposed cycleway would incorporate the Ongarue tramway, including the Ongarue Spiral and remnants of the historic logging industry including the most complete historic timber mill and village in New Zealand (Eadan's mill). It would traverse the western side of the Hauhungaroa Range through Pureora Forest Park and have a gentle grade, smooth surface, and halfway access point, making it appealing to beginner-intermediate cyclists.

* Mountain to the Sea or Mount Ruapehu to Wanganui -- Mangapurua-Kaiwhakauka Track in Whanganui National Park and Old Coach Road Track (Ohakune to Horopito) in Tongariro National Park.

The route would cover 245km (a 4-6 day ride).

A significant proportion of the trail network is already in place. It would start on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, cross the 294-metre Hapuawhenua Viaduct, cycle through Whanganui National Park and cross the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Users would then take a jet boat ride down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki and cycle to Wanganui along the Whanganui River Road.

The ride would mostly be on tracks managed by DOC, but would also include some public and paper roads managed by district councils.

St James Great Trail (North Canterbury)

The proposal is to develop a 50km great trail mountain bike experience, including opportunities for family and adventure rides.

The ride would provide iconic mountain scenery and a mix of trails through beech forest and grassland valleys. The opportunity would be available to traverse the St James mountain range with vehicle support and cycle the greater part of the upper Waiau Valley.

Hanmer Springs is the major stepping off point for the trail. A well-formed road links Hanmer to the start of the trail, allowing the main entry points to be accessed directly by the public or a commercial provider. It provides well-established infrastructure for visitors and the ability to link cyclists with a range of other opportunities. These include the established trail from St Arnaud to Hanmer, and through Molesworth Station linking Hanmer with the Awatere Valley near Blenheim.

* Southland/Queenstown Lakes -- Around the Mountain Rail Trail.

This trail would be an easy to ride, 175km cycling trail. Participants would depart from Queenstown on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak. The cycle track would head through Walter Peak and Mount Nicholas Stations, and along the Von Valley, Lake Mavora. It would then follow the Oreti River and from Mossburn along the old railway line to Lumsden.

From Queenstown Around the Mountain Rail Trail, future cycle trails could be developed form Lake Mavora to Te Anau, from Lumsden to Invercargill/Bluff and from Lumsden to Gore/Catlins Coast. Around the Mountain is a spine which allows Southland to develop a network of easy to ride cycle trails linking tourism infrastructure.