Cycle Tour Operators New Zealand (CTONZ)

CTONZ Mission Statement:

"To provide quality safe cycle tours hosted by professional New Zealand registered operators to an agreed standard"

Cycle Tour Operators New Zealand (CTONZ) was formed in November 2006 when 13 operators with the support of the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand, met in Christchurch and agreed to form a professional organization of cycle tour operators. The aim of the group is to:

promote cycle touring in New Zealand
promote cyclist safety on New Zealand roads, trails & cycling routes
encourage professionalism amongst New Zealand cycle tour operators with all companies operating to the -same approved standards
advertise the benefits of "cycling with the locals" by presenting companies with New Zealand based Guides as the best choice for cycle tours in New Zealand
support the expansion of cycle trails & routes throughout New Zealand including the New Zealand Cycle Trail and Great Rides initiatives

Membership is open to all companies who provide supported bicycle tours in New Zealand and who accept and act upon the compulsory standards for membership of CTONZ.

Note: - a supported bicycle tour includes at least one but not necessarily all of - guiding, transport, accommodation bookings, providing maps and mechanical support.

CTONZ has made good progress since this initial meeting, as of September 2012 there are 28 financial members, membership standards and a common Accident/Incident form have been approved, a constitution is in place and tour guide cycle mechanic, first aid and bicycle rental standards have been created.

At the recent AGM in Wellington members were addressed by -

Leonce Jones on the National Incident database
Jonathon Kennett on the NZ Cycle Trail project
Evan Freshwater from TIANZ on the Adventure Tourism review
Greg McIntyre on Mountain Bike Leader qualifications

CTONZ has been working with Cycle Advocates Network, the New Zealand Transport Agency, the National Incident database, Bus & Coach Association, the Rental Vehicle Association and the NZ Road Transport Forum. Issues covered have ranged from the Haast Road on the West Coast, cycle signage on State Highways and "sharing the road protocols" between touring cyclists and buses & trucks for which CTONZ were selected as finalists in the 2008 NZ Cycle Friendly Awards. Current projects include working towards information on “Sharing the Road” to be included in documentation in rental vehicles, providing advice on best cycling routes & trails to link the new cycleways and working with the Department of Labour & the Tourism Industry Association on the Adventure Tourism review.

The new legislation surrounding safety standards within the NZ Adventure Tourism Industry is very important, currently cycle tour operators are not required to register but this may change in the future. CTONZ has been recognised as the standard setting industry body for cycle touring and by belonging to CTONZ and following the CTONZ standards, members are already well on the way to gaining accreditation under the review, should this be required.

CTONZ has approved a logo for members use only, if you see our logo on an operators website or promotional material you know that you are cycling with local guides and benefiting from touring with a company that operates to the highest professional and safety standards.

Above all CTONZ members are proud to be operating in New Zealand, a country known for its spectacular & diverse scenery, friendly people & great cycling. Touring in New Zealand is like seeing the "world in one country" and there is no better way to experience this than by bicycle.