Riders on the Timber Trail enjoy interacting with culture and history of Ngati Maniapoto. Photo: Studio Zag

Great rides bring communities together

Features, Great Rides

A long-time Wilderness contributor and freelance author, Kathy writes about outdoor recreation, natural history and conservation.

By Kathy Ombler

The cycle trails were conceived to bring economic benefits for the regions. It turns out they are generating much more.

Jobs, community and social engagement, ecological restoration, health, wellbeing and huge local pride are emerging positives of Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trails. On some trails, those involved say these are the real benefits, over and above economic return. And for many riders, the trails have become more than just a bike ride as […]

About the author

Kathy Ombler

Freelance author Kathy Ombler mostly writes about outdoor recreation, natural history and conservation, and has contributed to Wilderness for many years. She has also written and edited for other publications and websites, most recently Federated Mountain Club’s Backcountry, Forest & Bird, and the Backcountry Trust. Books she has authored include Where to Watch Birds in New Zealand, Walking Wellington and New Zealand National Parks and Other Wild Places. She is currently a trustee for Wellington’s Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust.