A $6 million plan to build two cycle trails could put Dunedin on a path to becoming a destination "rivalling that of the south of France".

Dunedin Tracks Network Trust trustees Sarah Davie-Nitis and Paul Coffey laid out their ambitions for five new "world-class" Dunedin cycle trails to Otago regional councillors, this week. Mr Coffey said the group ultimately had a goal of linking the city to Otago’s existing trails.

"We want to make Otago a cycling destination. If we succeed in what we want to do, we will be rivalling that of the South of France," Mr Coffey said.

Wheels are in motion to link up Dunedin with the Clutha Gold cycle trail through an off-road route. A $36,000 study is to be conducted into the feasibility of a route between Waihola and Wingatui, potentially enabling future cyclists to travel from Queenstown to Dunedin, entirely off-road.

A proposed cycleway connecting Mosgiel and Outram would keep cyclists safe and stimulate the growing cycle tourism market.