Waikato and the Central North Island are the latest to benefit from investment into the country's cycleway upgrade

Almost 19 million dollars will go towards connecting Hamilton and Cambridge as part of the Te Awa River Ride, as well as new paths in Turangi and Taupo.

It's part of the 220 million dollar cycleway package for shovel-ready projects.

Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter says an estimated 110-thousand people will use the Te Awa River Ride each year.

She says better cycling and walking infrastructure will make for more attractive and people-friendly cities.