ROAD TO RIDE ON: Tourism Export Council of New Zealand conference members join Wairarapa's Green Jersey Cycling to ride the Rimutaka Rail Trail.

A "great ride" cycle trail connecting Wellington and Wairarapa got a stern test yesterday when a tourism industry chief used it to get to a Masterton conference.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler and seven other tourism industry leaders chose the scenic route to this week's Tourism Export Council conference in Masterton.

The 18-kilometre Rimutaka Rail Trail that they rode will form part of the new Rimutaka Cycle Trail when it opens in October.

The riders left the rail trail's Kaitoke car park about 11am and arrived at Cross Creek, south of Featherston, about 2pm, from where they were being taken to Masterton.

Mr Bowler said the trail showed why Tourism New Zealand's "100% Pure" marketing would survive the recent Fonterra crisis.

"Whether it's a bungy jump or a cycle ride or . . . food and wine, the scenery is the background, not the main part, of ‘100% Pure' experiences."

The trail, which will form part of Nga Haerenga, the national cycle trail, will link up the Hutt River cycle path, the Rail Trail and Western Lake Rd south of Featherston.

Its "Great Ride" status designates it as one of New Zealand's finest rides.

It was expected to bring thousands of new visitors to Wairarapa, said David Hancock, general manager of regional tourism operator Destination Wairarapa. "It's the only cycle trail in the country departing from the capital, from such a sizeable population."

The Tourism Export Council conference is one of the tourism industry's most important annual gatherings, and it is the first time it has been held in Wairarapa.

It runs until tomorrow and speakers include Prime Minister John Key, who is also tourism minister, and Tourism Industry Association chief executive Martin Snedden.