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Auckland Transport earlier this month revealed the top ten most scenic bike rides in the Auckland region. The number of Great Rides has increased to ten from six last year.
The “Great Rides” are:
Matakana Trails
The Matakana trails ride has fantastic views and many points of interest including café’s, wineries and roadside stalls offering fresh produce. The track goes through farmland as well as bush and quiet communities.
This ride has been established by the Matakana Cycle Trail Trust and takes you from Matakana to Omaha and Point Wells. The ride is recommended for more confident cyclists as it includes sections on gravel roads.
It is a 14km long, takes about an hour to complete and is a mix of off-road shared paths, cycle lanes and quiet roads with 50km – 70km hour speed limits with gravel and sealed sections.
Te Ara Tahuna Pathway: Orewa Estuary
Te Ara Tahuna Pathway provides an excellent ride for people new to cycling, or riding with children on bikes or scooters.
It is easily accessed from Western Reserve, 40 minutes drive north from Auckland centre. It makes for a great day out and especially if combined with time at the beach or shops. The path features tributes to the estuary’s past as a significant food gathering place for Maori.It is 7.6 km long and takes around 40 minutes.
Green Route: Devonport to Takapuna
The Devonport to Takapuna Great Ride includes paths, boardwalks and bridges weaving through parks, mangroves, and heritage streets. Along the way find a nautical-themed playground at Northboro Reserve, look for eels among the mangroves, and delve into North Shore’s history at its oldest cemetery founded in 1891.
The route is 9.5 km and takes 40 minutes.
Hobsonville Point
Hobsonville Point is an old Air Force community that is being redeveloped as Auckland grows, reflecting aspirations to create well planned urban environments. The area provides an easy recreational route with purpose built off-road paths.
Twin Streams: Henderson Creek and Opanuku Stream
The Henderson Creek shared path links the Northwestern cycleway and the Henderson township. It is a beautiful ride through planting including the international tree collection and Tui Glen, an historic pleasure park. The Opanuku Stream shared path stretches from Great North Road to Henderson Valley Road.
The Opanuku Stream path and nearby Oratia Stream path include environmental, conservation and community initiatives aimed at protecting the area from floodwater coming down from the Waitakere Ranges.
Auckland Waterfront: Britomart to Mission Bay
This gentle ride along the wonderful Auckland waterfront is one of the most popular in Auckland. The whole route is off-road and beside the water of the Waitemata harbour with views to Rangitoto. At Mission Bay enjoy the beach, park, restaurants, pubs, cafes or cinema. The ride can be extended to St Heliers Bay. The path is busy and shared with pedestrians so please ride slowly and share with care.
Pakuranga Rotary Pathway
The Pakuranga Rotary shared path is a very popular walk or ride stretching 9km from Prince Regent Drive in Farm Cove to the Panmure Bridge. The path weaves past the Pakuranga Sailing Club and offers great views up and down the Tamaki River. The ride is well sign-posted and information panels provide historical information about the area. There are lots of picnic spots along the path, which is also home to the local favourite ‘snake’ playground.
The Cascades Paths: Pakuranga, Botany and Meadowlands
Join the shared path at numerous points between Meadowland and Millhouse Reserves and Lloyd Elsmore Park. There is a flat, concrete path for almost the entire route. The path is an easy recreational ride for weekend cyclists, while also providing a family friendly destination with an excellent learners trail built especially for kids within Lloyd Elsmore Park.
The Rotary Centennial Bike Trail runs 1.2km through the park and has been designed to help kids learn to ride and improve their skills. Each of the challenge sections has an alternative easy route and there are jumps and seesaws to practice on.
Waikaraka Cycleway: Onehunga to Mangere Bridge
The ride includes paths on both sides of the Manukau Harbour connected by the old Mangere Bridge. It provides a great weekend outing for families and adults alike. It’s completely flat (almost), has interesting stops along the way and stunning views.
Centred on the old Mangere Bridge, this ride is in two parts connected by the old Mangere Bridge. On the Onehunga side, 4km of concrete path hugs the Upper Manukau Harbour and passes alongside the Waikaraka cemetery. The wide path has a smooth concrete surface that makes cycling easy.
Wattle Downs
The Wattle Downs ride takes you around a picturesque part of the Manukau Harbour coastline through Mahia Park and Wattle Downs. The 10km paved route hugs the shoreline and has many seats and picnic tables for you to catch your breath or admire the view. The ride goes past the Manukau golf course, has opportunities to reach the water and two playgrounds. The path is in two parts, connected by about 400m of quiet residential road.
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