Jordan McCraeAuckland is a wonderful city made famous by its lush green landscapes, sparkling harbours, and impressive skyline. Thankfully, it also has a network of cycling paths to help you see these sights at a leisurely pace.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a leisurely rider, Auckland’s bike trails have something to offer for everyone. From breezy coastal routes to historic city circuits, let’s pedal through the city and discuss the beauty you’ll find along the way.
- Woodhill Mountain Bike Park
- Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Cycleway and Walkway
- Fourforty Mountain Bike Park
- Nelson Street Cycleway
- Totara Park Mountain Bike Track
- Opanuku Stream Cycle And Walkway
- Sanders Reserve and Bike Park
- Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park
- Tamaki Drive Cycleway
- Triple Peaks
- Tour de Ranges
- Waterview Shared Path
- Taupaki Loop
- City to Bays Route
- Airport Loop
- Mission Bay to Wynyard Quarter Path
- Clendon Path
- Pakuranga Rotary Path
- Narrow Neck to Devonport Path
- Central City Loop Path
Woodhill Mountain Bike Park
Website: https://www.bikeparks.co.nz/
Address: Restall Road, Woodhill, Auckland 0883, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 27 278 0969
Operating hours:
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (MON, TUES, THURS, and FRI)
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (WED)
7:00 AM – 5:30 PM (SAT and SUN)
Distance from AKL CBD: 39 minutes
For those looking to enjoy off-road biking, give Woodhill Mountain Bike Park a try. Located on Wharepapa northwest of the Auckland CBD, this bike trail offers over 50 kilometres of purpose-built single-track trails winding through pine forests.
Here, you can find more than 60 tracks suitable for all skill levels. For beginners, they have trails with gentle slopes and descents, while advanced bikers can tackle trails with technical descents and steep climbs.
Don’t have a bike suitable for off-road conditions? Don’t worry because they have over 100 hire bikes available! They also have an on-site bike mechanic that ensures your bike stays in top shape while traversing their trails.
After a challenging cycling session, make sure to treat yourself to a nice meal in their small cafe.
| Pro tip: Aside from bike trails, Woodhill Mountain Bike Park also has its own disc golf course where players throw a ball and a flying disc instead of using clubs. If you want to try it out, they have discs you can rent for only $5! |
Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Cycleway and Walkway
– Photo credit: pepperthecocker1
Address: 214E Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa 0931, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 800 103 080
Distance from AKL CBD: 30 minutes
Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Cycleway and Walkway is a delightful 7.5-kilometre pathway encircling the picturesque Ōrewa estuary. Located north of the Auckland CBD, this trail goes through many places, including Hibiscus Coast and the Ōrewa township.
This bike trail is suitable for all cyclists as it features a wide path that’s mainly flat and sealed. In fact, this place is a very popular training spot for those who want to learn how to ride a bicycle.
Another amazing thing about the Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Cycleway and Walkway is its impressive scenery. The path offers great views of the estuary’s wildlife, and it also features Maori carvings that depict the importance of Ōrewa to the Maori people.
The entire bike trail will take you about 40 minutes to complete. Along the way, there are plenty of cafes and public restrooms where you can take a quick break between your cycling sessions.
| Pro tip: If you come here by car, there’s some parking available on Western Reserve located north of the bike trail. |
Fourforty Mountain Bike Park
Website: https://www.fourfortymtbpark.co.nz/
Address: 521 Kawakawa-Orere Road, Ōrere Point 2585, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 292 2046
Operating hours:
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (WED)
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (FRI)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Distance from AKL CBD: 1 hour and 3 minutes
Fourforty Mountain Bike Park is a great bike trail for those looking for a thrilling cycling experience. Located on Ōrere Point, this trail was built by Trailpro and is designed to provide an exciting experience for riders of all abilities.
Here, you’ll find trails with jumps, flow trails, and technical challenges that are sure to keep your heart pumping. In fact, this place has the longest jump trail you’ll find on the North Island!
With roughly 2.1 kilometres in length, the Big Bang Trail offers an exhilarating ride with jumps, berms, and features that cater to riders seeking airtime and excitement.
Aside from amazing bike trails, Fourforty Mountain Bike Park also has its own workshop and asphalt pump track. They also have rental bicycles on-site if you can’t bring your own with you.
| Pro tip: Fourforty Mountain Bike Park has a mountain bike uplift service that you can use to quickly get you and your bike to the highest point of the mountain. This service uses pickup trucks with specially made trailers, so you don’t have to worry about your bike getting damaged along the way. |
Nelson Street Cycleway
– Photo credit: thenickcrbrown
Website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/nelson-street-cycleway/
Address: Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
If you prefer cycling somewhere close, then Nelson Street Cycleway might just be what you’re looking for. Located in the Auckland CBD, this cycleway was built using a repurposed off-ramp that originally connected to the Central Motorway Junction.
Today, this route provides cyclists with an easy path between Upper Queen Street and Quay Street. Its most iconic section, the Lightpath, is famous for its magenta-coloured surface and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Auckland.
Along your journey here, you’ll come across eye-catching scenery like the path’s LED mood lighting and the architecturally impressive Canada Street Bridge nearby.
However, please take note that some sections of the Nelson Street Cycleway are open to pedestrians as well. Make sure to slow down whenever you’re near groups of people, and don’t forget to ring your bell when passing by.
| Pro tip: Stage 3 of the Nelson Street Cycleway was completed in early 2023 and connects the cycleway to more locations, including Market Place and Customs Street West. You can use these new pathways to quickly reach the waterfront where you can find many of the Auckland CBD’s popular attractions, like Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. |
Totara Park Mountain Bike Track
– Photo credit: couperfmx65
Address: Redoubt Road, The Gardens, Auckland 2016, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 301 0101
If you want to experience off-road biking without going too far from Auckland City, you can try the Totara Park Mountain Bike Track. Located southeast of the Auckland CBD, this place offers a diverse range of mountain bike trails that anyone can enjoy.
Those new to off-road biking can practice their skills on one of the beginner trails that feature gentle grades and shallow drops. Meanwhile, the intermediate bike trails feature plenty of twists, turns, and small obstacles.
Overall, there are approximately 15 kilometres of trails within Tōtara Park you can explore and enjoy. As most parts of the park are still undeveloped, it’s a must to bring a water bottle with you to keep yourself hydrated throughout your cycling session.
| Pro tip: Some bike trails in Totara Park Mountain Bike Track can become too muddy or slippery after a heavy storm. You can learn about the park’s condition in advance by checking the Totara Park Mountain Bike Club Facebook page for updates. |
Opanuku Stream Cycle And Walkway
– Photo credit: binntastic
Address: 72 Border Road, Henderson, Auckland 0612, New Zealand
For a relaxing and simple cycling experience, check out the Opanuku Stream Cycle and Walkway. Located in the eastern suburb of Henderson, this bike trail will take you on a scenic path that follows the gorgeous Opanuku Stream.
With a total distance of approximately 6 kilometres, Opanuku Stream Cycle and Walkway has plenty of delightful scenery to offer, like the kōwhai trees along the path and the lively birdlife that lives here, like fantails, tūīs, and kingfishers.
Another good thing about this bike trail is that it’s entirely sealed, so you don’t need to use an off-road bike to fully cover it. Along the way, you’ll also encounter some picnic spots where you can take a break and enjoy a quick snack before moving on.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget that Opanuku Stream Cycle and Walkway is fully accessible to pedestrians as well. Make sure to be extra careful, as some parts of the trail are narrow, and you might not be able to avoid crashing into pedestrians if you cycle too fast. |
Sanders Reserve and Bike Park
– Photo credit: aucklandforkids.co.nz
Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=2229
Address: 180-186 Sanders Road, Paremoremo, Auckland 0793, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 301 0101
Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM (MON-SUN)
Distance from AKL CBD: 31 minutes
Sanders Reserve and Bike Park, located in the nearby town of Paremoremo, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and recreational activities to its visitors. It’s famous for its Maori tree carvings, which depict New Zealand’s pre-colonial cultural history.
Visiting bikers here can explore over eight different bike trails scattered across various parts of the park. These trails have varying difficulty levels, but there’s one considered a kid-friendly route due to its lack of steep slopes and rough terrain.
Out of all of them, the most popular bike trail you’ll find here is the 4-kilometre Recreation Path. It’s well-loved among bikers as it winds through the coastal forest while also providing stunning views of the upper Waitematā Harbour.
What I also love about Sanders Reserve and Bike Park is that it has plenty of restrooms and picnic spots where you can catch your breath before continuing on your cycling journey.
| Pro tip: Some parts of the bike trails in Sanders Reserve and Bike Park tend to be muddy and wet, especially during the rainy season. I highly suggest you only wear clothing that you’re okay with getting soiled when cycling in this park. |
Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park
– Photo credit: conquistador.gagan
Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=221
Address: 1014 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland 1060, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 366 2000
Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park, located in Penrose, offers a serene escape for cyclists and nature enthusiasts. It boasts a rich history, as it once was a large kāinga (undefended settlement) during the Waiohua period.
Furthermore, this park has a hill that has a height of 65 metres and is considered the largest non-volcanic hill on the Auckland isthmus. The hill is a popular spot for mountain biking as it provides a panoramic view of the nearby suburbs.
It’s widely considered that the mountain bike trails here are of moderate difficulty. Alternatively, you may also decide to instead cycle through the many covered paths you’ll find in the park.
These road cycling routes allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area without having to encounter any rough terrain along the way.
| Pro tip: Please pay close attention to whether a path has a sign warning people that it’s closed off to the general public. That’s because some areas of Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park are intentionally closed off to prevent the spread of the kauri dieback disease to the kauri trees in the park. |
Tamaki Drive Cycleway
– From janettewing
Starting Point: Tamaki Dr & St Heliers Bay RdSt Heliers, Auckland 1071
Distance: 15.3 km
Difficulty: Moderate
If a coffee or ice cream fix is on your mind, Tamaki Drive Cycleway is the route to be. This is an out-and-back trail known for its seaside vistas and cafes—perfect for cyclists who love stunning views (best views auckland) and lip-smacking blends and bites.
The elevation gain is around 103 m, so you’ll certainly break a sweat, particularly during summer. However, you can ride during a more refreshing season, as this path is open all year round.
| Tip: Catch the beautiful sunset (best sunset spots auckland). Tamaki Drive offers stunning twilight moments along the waterfront. |
Triple Peaks
– From pongosnoograss
Starting Point: Quay St, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Distance: 46 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Triple Peaks offers biking thrills and panoramic chills. Clocking in at 46 km and 597 m of elevation gain, this route has mountain peaks and scenic city scenes that’ll make your helmet spin.
One notable spot you’ll swing by if you complete the route is Mount Eden, standing at 196 m—a good test for seasoned riders. There’s also Cornwall Park, where greenery and city scenery blend into the horizon.
| Tip: If possible, plan your cycling trips on weekdays to avoid heavier weekend foot and bike traffic. Triple Peaks attracts several cyclists during weekends. |
Tour de Ranges
– From steffan_fuller
Starting Point: 65 Monument Rd Clevedon, Auckland
Distance: 170 km
Difficulty: Hard
Those daring enough to embrace a true cycling adventure will find themselves on a journey along the Tour de Ranges route.
It’s a loop around the Hunua Ranges, steering riders southeast out of Auckland through the charming town of Clevedon.
What makes this a challenge is the 150-m elevation gain and the number of peaks you have to ascend. The heavenly waterfront and green spectacles are worth the tired muscles, though.
| Tip: Given the length of the trail and its coastal sections, be mindful of weather conditions. Check the forecast before heading out for a smoother and drier cycling experience. |
Starting Point: Mount Albert, Auckland 1025
Distance: 2.5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Waterview Shared Path is a family-friendly cycling route boasting parks, playgrounds, and even a waterfall along the way.
This wide and smooth route will also take you across vibrant, multi-coloured bridges—ideal for cyclists who love stopping by Insagrammable backdrops.
Just don’t pedal like a speeding madman, as riders new to cycling often practice here. In addition, the path is a fave among picnickers and frisbee players, so cycle with extreme caution.
| Tip: If you prefer cooler temperatures, laid-back vibes, and city lights, cycle here during nighttime. Waterview Shared Path is accessible during darker hours. |
Taupaki Loop
– From melissab_art
Starting Point: Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024
Distance: 63 km
Difficulty: Hard
Almost all Auckland cyclists have hit up the Taupaki Loop, a countryside joyride that’ll make you huff and puff in exchange for elevated vantage points with premier cityscapes.
The landscape and backdrops frequently change on this route. There are lush flatlands, colourful bridges, pristine beaches, and more.
When it comes to general directions, you’ll be cruising through Annandale Rd, Hanham Rd, Birdwood Rd, Nelson Rd, and the quick-and-easy Shortcut Rd, better known as Cottle Rd.
| Tip: This route isn’t a breeze, so plan your breaks at strategic points, such as hilltops or viewpoints. It rewards you with scenic rests and a sense of accomplishment. |
City to Bays Route
– From bikeakl
Starting Point: Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Distance: 10 km
Difficulty: Easy
A cycling route doesn’t always have to be back-breaking, and the City to Bays Route is living proof. Best experienced during the sunny embrace of summer, this flat ride is a cool hangout for both the fam and the crew.
Here, you can hit up Okahu Bay, where majestic pōhutukawa trees provide much-needed shade for cyclists on picnic breaks.
And if that isn’t enough bliss for you, roll on to Mission Bay—the ultimate biking stop for beach lovers. This spot has a playground, which means taking your little ones for a ride here is a smart move.
| Tip: Use smartphone apps, like the Great Rides App and Bike Map, for navigation. They can provide real-time updates on your route—very useful for a city-centred trail like this one. |
Airport Loop
– From team_dungog
Starting Point: Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Distance: 62.6 km
Difficulty: Moderate
The Airport Loop is an OG flat loop providing just a single cheeky climb into Cornwall Park to keep you on your biking toes.
Starting with a cruise through Auckland’s suburbs, you’ll find yourself surrounded by green farming country as you head south toward Auckland Airport.
Passing the airport, you’ll make your way north over the Mangere Bridge, concluding the loop in the heart of Auckland.
| Tip: It takes approximately two hours to complete this exposed route, so bring a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the ride. |
Mission Bay to Wynyard Quarter Path
– From missionbayprom
Starting Point: Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071
Distance: 15 km
Difficulty: Easy
As iconic as a classic Kiwi sunset, the Mission Bay to Wynyard Quarter Path is a must-ride, taking cyclists off-road along the Waitemata Harbour with unbeatable Rangitoto horizons.
It’s flat, well-paved, and offers many points of interest. For instance, there’s Selwyn Reserve for shady breathers and the Okahu Bay Reserve playground for a bit of family-friendly fun.
| Tip: Remember to climb Pt Resolution Bridge in Taurarua for fantastic harbour panoramas. |
Clendon Path
– From koekafi
Starting Point: Gibbons Rd, Weymouth, Auckland 2103
Distance: 5.5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Nestled along the Manukau Harbor foreshore in coastal Manurewa, the Clendon Path is a buzzing shared trail that’s a certified family hit during weekends and holidays.
This relatively flat stretch is a golden ticket for pram strolls, bike cruises, and scooter glides—just watch out for those stairs; a little lift-and-carry action might be needed.
On top of that, it has access points to the water, making it the ultimate chill spot for those who fancy a splash. This is tide-dependent, so review Auckland’s tide charts to avoid disappointment.
| Tip: Don’t forget to stop at the picnic area near Palmers Rd. It’s serene, and the coastal vistas are top-notch. |
Pakuranga Rotary Path
– From britomartnz
Starting Point: Prince Regent Dr, Auckland 2012
Distance: 18 km
Difficulty: Easy
Pakuranga Rotary Path is a mostly flat route, throwing in a couple of mini hills and playful stretches of boardwalk and gravel just to keep things interesting.
It’s on the edge of Tāmaki Estuary and Whakaaranga Creek, ensuring soothing water scenery with the bonus of cruising boats.
| Tip: Make a beeline to the Pakuranga Sailing Club if you need a toilet break or a short muscle-sculpting workout. This spot has toilet facilities and gym equipment. |
Narrow Neck to Devonport Path
– From alberto_fenice
Starting Point: Narrow Neck Beach, Auckland
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: Easy
The Narrow Neck to Devonport Path is another family-friendly biking gem, rolling gently along a shared path that’s as easygoing as a Sunday afternoon.
Getting started might be the hardest part, thanks to the lure of Narrow Neck Beach, a white-sand spot made for picnics and summer swims.
If you manage to leave Narrow Neck Beach, you’ll pass by other noteworthy detours, including Cheltenham Beach Reserve and Fort Takapuna Reserve. There’s also Cheltenham Beach flaunting a canopy of pōhutukawa trees.
| Tip: Hit this route on a Sunday to catch dinghies gracefully sailing around the bay with the legendary Rangitoto providing the perfect backdrop. |
Central City Loop Path
Starting Point: 107 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Distance: 6.7 km
Difficulty: Easy
Public artwork dots the easy-peasy Central City Loop Path, adding a touch of culture to the urban biking adventure.
Like most city routes on this list, this trail is also a welcome blend of urban landscapes and natural beauty. In about 40 mins, you’ll pass modern parks, coloured bridges near the waterfront, and green gullies.
| Tip: Experience the city awakening by cycling the loop in the early morning. The quieter streets and fresh air create a serene ride. |
