Cycle Trail Feasibility Study

In 2024 Ashburton District Council, through the LTP process, resolved to investigate the feasibility of a cycle trail connecting Rakaia, Methven, Mount Somers and Ashburton that would contribute to the local economy and allocated $25,000 for the commissioning of the report.

Recreation consultancy company Xyst were selected and commissioned to complete the feasibility study early in 2025.

The feasibility study was undertaken to investigate the viability of an ‘Ashburton Plains Trail’ to understand the challenges and risks expected if developed and to identify the benefits a new destination trail could bring to the district.

Xyst’s Ashburton District Plains Trail Feasibility Study was presented to the 17 September 2025 Council meeting.

The Council received the Ashburton District Plains Trail Feasibility Study dated 1 August 2025 and decided to not proceed with this cycle trail.

The study can be found here: Cycle Trail Feasibility Report WM