North Island Great Rides Industry Hui

Join Us!
North Island Great Rides Hui
— Te Hui Tūhono

📅 Dates : Tuesday 22 – Wednesday 23 July 2025
📍 Venue : Grassroots Trust Velodrome, Cambridge

Stronger Together: Great Ride Operator Conference.

Join us in the heart of the Waikato for the annual North Island Great Rides Hui — Te Hui Tūhono — a collaborative gathering of trail organisations, regional tourism partners, operators, and stakeholders united by a shared commitment to growing world-class cycling experiences.

Designed by the sector, for the sector, this hui is all about connection, insight, and collective progress. Together, we’re shaping the future of cycle tourism in Aotearoa.

Connect with fellow trail businesses, accommodation providers, and tourism professionals who share your passion for thriving trails and memorable visitor experiences. Across two days, we’ll explore the ideas, tools, and partnerships that help our businesses grow — and our trails flourish.

Thanks to your feedback, we’ve crafted an engaging programme packed with practical workshops, expert speakers, and collaborative sessions tailored to what matters most: operating sustainably, working together, and harnessing the momentum of a growing cycling visitor market.

Whether you're here to learn, share, or spark new partnerships, Te Hui Tūhono is your platform to connect, contribute, and get inspired — just in time for the season ahead.

Spaces are limited — register now and secure your place. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Everything you need to know.

📅 Dates : Tuesday 22 – Wednesday 23 July 2025
Join us midweek in beautiful Cambridge, just before the busy summer season rolls into gear.

📍 Venue : Grassroots Trust Velodrome, Cambridge
 An inspiring venue at the heart of New Zealand’s cycling scene—with everything you need onsite.

💲 Cost : $445 per person
Includes all sessions, workshops, and catering during the event.
Accommodation is additional and booked separately.

🏨 Accommodation : Choose what suits you best—we’ll share recommended options soon, including deals with our local accommodation partners.

🎙 Speakers : We’ve curated a top-notch line-up of presenters from the cycling world and business sector. Expect inspiring stories, practical tools, expert insights, and plenty of time to connect and share. (Draft programme )

🧳 What to Bring

  • Yourself

  • Comfortable clothes

  • Walking shoes

  • Your bike (optional—but you might be glad you brought it!)

  • Great ideas and a curious mind...

Everything’s close to the venue, and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming.

👥 Who Should Attend? This operator hui is for anyone operating in the cycle trail ecosystem—from shuttles, cafés, and accommodation providers to tour operators and bike shops. If you're part of a Great Ride or Connector Ride community, this is your chance to grow, connect, and be part of the bigger picture. Trail managers and regional tourism organisations (RTOs) will be there too.

Want to sponsor a morning tea, a ride or drinks... let us know

🎤 Speaker Highlights & Workshops

We are still confirming our speakers; but expect some amazing presentations and workshops including:

Jonathan Kennett – How Did We Get Here?

Author, rider, advocate and so much more... A celebration of the journey so far, from grassroots beginnings to a nationwide network. One of the original champions of Ngā Haerenga – New Zealand Cycle Trails, Jonathan shares insights, stories, and inspiration for the road ahead.

EMA – Hiring, Firing & What You Need to Know
Whether you have one staff member or a small team, this session will demystify employment law, contracts, and HR obligations—giving you the confidence to build and manage your team.

How the Funding Works
Ever wondered how the money flows? This session explains trail funding—from government grants to enhancement funds—and how operators can align, benefit, and engage.

Models of Operator Collaboration
Hear how successful regional networks are working together—sharing marketing, referrals, shuttles, and support to deliver better rider experiences and stronger local economies.

Cycling in New Zealand – Getting More Kiwis on Bikes
An inside look at initiatives to grow cycling participation and what this means for your business, your community, and your trail.

Lessons from the South
Insights from South Island Great Rides and operators—what they’ve learned, what’s worked, and how we can apply their wisdom to North Island challenges and opportunities.

Trends & Tech – What’s Shaping the Ride
E-bike growth, new gear, and changing rider expectations—hear from equipment specialists on what’s influencing the way people ride, and what that means for your services.

The Te Araroa Trail
What this major walking route is up to, how it interacts with our trails and your businesses and plans for the future

Marketing works - Getting your website delivering
Insights and ideas to ensure you're visible to the right people

More to come... (we are waiting on confirmation from potential speakers including Department of Conservation)

🧠 More Practical Insights (Coming Soon)

We’re also developing short sessions and breakout workshops on:

  • Building powerful referral networks

  • Understanding and communicating Trail Grades (for the Right experience)

  • Marketing that converts (on a budget)

  • Safety, liability, and managing risk

  • Packaging your ride for the travel trade