Trail Hub Website Launched

Media release – Thursday 9 February 2023

Today (Thursday 9 February 2023) a new website has been launched, Trail Hub.

The website is designed as a platform to share inspirational stories about the network of cycle and walking trails across Otago, responsible use and trail safety trips tips, events, and information on how to contribute and support the volunteer community organisations that are behind the trails.

Trail Hub is a new concept developed by the Otago Trails Marketing Group. This group is a collaboration between four regional tourism organisations and five of New Zealand’s Nga Haeranga Great Rides, The Otago Central Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge, Clutha Gold, Lake Dunstan, and Queenstown Trails, which collectively represent a 400km network of purpose-built trails stretching from Queenstown to Dunedin.

“The Trails Marketing Group identified last year that there was an opportunity to improve our collective storytelling from the trails. Stakeholder websites are very good at providing practical information about the trails. For example, the length of a specific trail, where to hire a bike, or where to stay. But we saw great potential for a new platform to help us better set the scene and tell our stories,” Trails Marketing Executive Geoff Marks said.

“It’s images and stories which really inspire people to travel, and through Trail Hub we hope that people will be inspired to come and experience our trails for themselves. Once visitors have experienced the Otago trails, this new website provides a way to share their stories to inspire others to visit and enjoy the trails too.”

Trail Hub will be updated frequently with fresh new stories, features, videos, and articles and is intended to also be a platform for sharing community news and events.

“All Trail Hub’s content and media can be shared by members of the Trails Marketing Group, enriching their destination marketing,” Tourism Central Otago Head of Destination Anthony Longman said.

“Our intent with Trail Hub is specifically to provide a rich content resource which complements and supports all our partner’s digital marketing and does not compete with it.

“We are encouraging tourism and hospitality operators to share Trail Hub’s content and media through their own digital channels as it will provide a source of content that supports their own online marketing activity.”

“One of the other exciting opportunities for Trail Hub is this is a great platform to house information and content that will help educate and better inform cyclists before they ride on our trails,” Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails manager Shayne O’Connor, said.

“We not only want to tell people more about our places and communities but, importantly, how to stay safe on our trails and be a better rider. With input from expert guest writers, Trail Hub will provide guides and advice covering all facets of cycling. For example, a feature on trail etiquette, a fun video series called Trails Tips, and recommended itineraries for families have already been published to help keep people on track.”.

About

The Otago Trails Marketing Group is a collaboration between Destination Queenstown, Tourism Central Otago, Clutha Development, Enterprise Dunedin, Otago Central Rail Trail, Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust (Lake Dunstan Trail) and Central Otago Clutha Trails Limited (Clutha Gold Trail and Roxburgh Gorge Trail).

Website: https://trailhub.co.nz/

For more information Contact:

Geoff Marks, Trails Marketing Executive

E: geoff.marks@codc.govt.nz