Building cycle tracks as part of the Government's proposed national cycleway could cost as much as $100,000 a kilometre on moderate terrain.
Cabinet papers obtained by Radio New Zealand under the Official Information Act reveal the costs are much higher on difficult terrain.
However, officials also expect significant economic benefits from the cycleway.
On open, flat terrain with good access, the cost of building a four-metre-wide gravel cycleway is about $20,000 a kilometre.
But on tough terrain, where there is no road access and bridges and other structures need to be built, the cost exceeds $250,000 a kilometre.
Officials say the proposal, which the Government will spend $50 million on over the next three years, will boost regional economies in the short term and provide long-term economic benefits.
