Trail Sponsorship Program
BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL.
Every year, 600,000 mountain bikers, walkers, horse riders and runners experience the magic of Whakarewarewa Forest—and they all depend on trails that are lovingly maintained by the community.
When you sponsor a trail, you're not just getting your brand seen by thousands of people who love ad support the trails; you're becoming part of the story that keeps this incredible place thriving.
Your sponsorship connects your business with people who value adventure, community spirit, and supporting the places they love to play. It's a chance to show you're invested in Rotorua, in the trails that bring joy to so many, and in the volunteers and organisations working hard to keep this world-class destination accessible for everyone.
What is Trail Sponsorship?
Our Current Trail Sponsor offering provides businesses with a 3-year sponsorship model focused on the continued upkeep of existing trails.
This program covers the basic maintenance needs that keep our trails in excellent condition for all users.
What Your Sponsorship Covers:
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Vegetation clearance
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Drainage management
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Debris clearing
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Standard Surface Repairs
Note: Trails are typically "renewed" (major resurfacing) every 3 to 5 years, and those larger works sit well above the $2 per metre cost of basic maintenance.
If you would like to sponsor a major resurfacing project, we would LOVE to hear from you! Email funding@rotoruatrailstrust.co.nz and pitch us your idea.
Sponsorship Investment
Cost Structure for 1 year, all payments exclude GST.
Trail Maintenance: $2 per metre
One-off Admin Fee: $500 (covers signage design/installation, digital promotion, social content)
Example Sponsorship Breakdown:
Corridor Trail (Top Jumps + Lower)
Length: 949 metres
Maintenance Cost: $1,898 (949m x $2)
Admin Fee: $500
Total Investment: $2,398
Tu Meke Trail
Length: 1,300 metres
Maintenance Cost: $2,600 (1,300m x $2)
Admin Fee: $500
Total Investment: $3,100
You can start with one trail and add another later if preferred.
Sponsor Benefits
Trail Acknowledgment
Trailhead signage featuring "Maintenance Supported by [Your Company]"
Branding on trailhead signage
Maintenance Support
1 year of basic maintenance covered by your sponsorship
Digital Exposure
One RTT social media post per year
Mention in email newsletter
Logo on RTT website and app with sponsor acknowledgment
Promotional Rights
Use of the partnership in your marketing (with RTT approval)
+ Warm Fuzzies and maybe a round of drinks from your mates.
Trail Sponsorship vs. Trail Adoption
Trail Sponsorship is a business partnership with formal recognition and promotional benefits, designed for companies seeking marketing value as well as show community support.
Trail Adoption (see our Adopt-A-Trail program) is for individuals and groups who want hands-on volunteer involvement in trail maintenance.
Neither Trail Sponsorship or Trail Adoption allows any claim of ownership of any trail. We are all just temporary custodians of the forest, looking after it for future generations. Our trail work and donations are gifts to the forest and the community.
How to Get Started
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Choose a trail from our available sponsorship opportunities below
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Submit an enquiry using our contact form
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Await written confirmation from Rotorua Lakes Council (standard process to ensure no conflicts of interest)
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Finalise your sponsorship agreement
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See your signage installed and start receiving promotional benefits! (including warm fuzzies and slaps on the back/beers from your mates)
