The two district councils are evaluating the prospect of a cycleway from Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean coast at Oamaru, mainly following state highways, but passing through townships on the way, to boost tourism.
It has the support of the Ahuriri Community Board, chairman Craig Dawson saying a meeting this week between Waitaki and Mackenzie representatives would advance the project.
Waitaki's parks officer, Jane Matchett, said the "Alps to Ocean" cycleway was an opportunity for the two districts to share in being part of a nationally significant attraction.
The cycleway had the potential to create jobs through its design, construction and management.
"In the long term, it will create a high-quality tourist asset," she said.
That had been demonstrated by the Otago Central Rail Trail and other successful cycleways.
However, to succeed, an "Alps to Oceans" cycleway would need the support of and be driven by landowners, communities and local authorities.
"A cycleway from the alps to the ocean would certainly have the `wow' factor," Ms Matchett said.
Existing tracks could be linked with tracks close to the Waitaki lakes' shorelines.
A proposal needed to be forwarded to the Government by next month for the initial funding round.
Ms Matchett said it would be ideal to form an initial steering group to put forward a proposal by the deadline.
