Waitaki District Council recreation manager Erik van der Spek said it was time for the trail to "embark on a new stage".
"We’ve achieved what we wanted, built a world-class cycle trail, and now it’s time to review and reset the structure so the trail will progress into the next decade to build on those successes," Mr van der Spek said.
As part of the restructuring, the councils would soon advertise for a trail manager, who would work with the Alps 2 Ocean joint committee to lead the development of a new strategy and business case and oversee the marketing of the trail.
Tourism Waitaki has managed the marketing of the trail since 2012. Mr van der Spek thanked the regional tourism organisation for its support over the past nine years.
Anne Relling, who has a background in recreation management, has been appointed as interim trail manager. She lives in South Otago, but will work from the Waitaki and Mackenzie districts for two days a week until someone permanent is appointed to the role.
The councils had funding from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) until the completion of the newest off-road section, from Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam.
"It’s a good time, now we’ve completed that contract with MBIE, to sit back, reflect and make sure we’re fit for purpose going forward," Mr van der Spek said.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail takes cyclists from New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt Cook and through the Waitaki Valley, finishing at Oamaru Harbour.
Since international tourism came to a halt last year, domestic tourists have been dusting off their bikes, or buying new ones, and putting their foot down to try out the Alps 2 Ocean, which recorded its biggest season yet last summer.
Mackenzie Mayor Graham Smith said further investment in management and development of the trail would ensure it continued to "provide enjoyment for thousands of locals and visitors and contribute to the economic success of both the Mackenzie and Waitaki districts".
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher, who was deputy mayor when the Waitaki and Mackenzie councils agreed to create the Alps 2 Ocean Trail in 2010, said it was an exciting time for the trail.
"It is time to take the trail and its management to the next level," Mr Kircher said.
"I look forward to us implementing a structure which continues to grow the users’ experience and provide an equitable partnership programme for the businesses which use the trail."
