Where to Cycle in Whangarei

Cycling & BMX Tracks throughout Whangarei

Exploring Whangārei's Cycle and BMX Tracks: A Comprehensive Local Guide

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Whangārei, the northernmost city in New Zealand, is a cyclist’s paradise, offering a wide variety of cycle tracks that cater to riders of all ages and skill levels. From scenic coastal routes to rugged mountain trails, Whangārei’s extensive cycling infrastructure is both inviting and adventurous. This guide provides an in-depth look at Whangārei’s cycle tracks, highlighting the features, difficulty levels, and unique attractions each one offers.

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Hātea Loop – Huarahi o te Whai

The Hātea Loop (Huarahi o te Whai) is a 4.2-kilometer shared path around the Hātea River in central Whangārei. This easy, flat loop is perfect for families and casual riders, offering stunning views of the river and vibrant cityscape. A standout feature is the Te Matau ā Pohe bascule bridge, which lifts daily at noon, adding a unique experience to the ride. Along the loop, cyclists can stop by art installations, cafes, and the bustling Town Basin.

Key Features:

  • Length: 4.2 kilometers
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Surface: Paved
  • Highlights: Te Matau ā Pohe bridge, art installations, cafes

Onerahi Shared Path

Connecting the city centre to the suburb of Onerahi, the Onerahi Shared Path follows a scenic, former railway corridor through diverse ecosystems, including mangrove forests. This tranquil, traffic-free path provides a peaceful, scenic ride. The path ends near the Beach Road area in Onerahi, where cyclists can rest by the inner harbour beach and playground, making it an ideal half-day journey.

Key Features:

  • Length: 14 kilometres (one way)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Surface: Mixed (paved and gravel)
  • Highlights: Mangrove forests, inner harbor beach, playground

Kamo Shared Path

The Kamo Shared Path runs from the city centre to the northern suburb of Kamo along an off-road rail corridor. This accessible route is popular with both commuters and recreational cyclists, providing safe, scenic transit through suburban landscapes. Riders also have access to the popular Otuihau – Whangārei Falls along the way.

Key Features:

  • Length: Varies
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Surface: Paved
  • Highlights: Suburban scenery, access to Whangārei Falls

Pohe Island Bike Park

Located near the city centre, Pohe Island Bike Park offers a versatile cycling facility for riders of all levels. The park has an 800-meter circuit track ideal for road riders and para-cyclists, a world-class pump track, and a beginner skills area with ramps, see-saws, and slalom poles. The all-weather building with a smooth asphalt surface is ideal for teaching young ones to ride. The park is also linked to Whangārei’s shared paths network.

Key Features:

  • Circuit Track: 800 meters
  • Pump Track: Advanced design for skills practice
  • Beginners’ Area: Ramps, see-saws, slalom poles
  • Facilities: All-weather training building, event booking available

Parihaka Mountain Bike Park

Parihaka Mountain Bike Park is a top destination for mountain biking enthusiasts, offering a mix of flow and gravity trails graded primarily from 3 to 5. Just five minutes from the city centre, it provides exciting terrain through forested landscapes. The park’s access points are at Abbey Caves Road and Memorial Drive. While some trails are best in the summer, the easier grade 2 trails with gravel surfaces are suitable year-round.

Key Features:

  • Trail Grades: 2 to 5
  • Trail Types: Flow and gravity trails
  • Access Points: Abbey Caves Road, Memorial Drive summit
  • Best Season: Summer for clay trails; gravel trails accessible year-round

Glenbervie Mountain Bike Park

The Glenbervie Mountain Bike Park offers over 40 kilometres of trails for riders of all abilities. Located ten minutes from Whangārei, these hand-cut trails wind through dense forest for a serene experience. Maintained by the Whangārei Mountain Bike Club, this park provides an immersive mountain biking experience.

Key Features:

  • Trail Length: Over 40 kilometers
  • Trail Types: Hand-cut with varying grades
  • Environment: Dense forest
  • Maintenance: Managed by Whangārei Mountain Bike Club

Ngunguru Old Coach Trail

The Ngunguru Old Coach Trail is a 16-kilometre route that follows a historic coach path between Scow Landing and Ngunguru village. The trail, consisting of gravel roads, single tracks, and some sealed sections, offers a rideable gradient through lush native bush with glimpses of the sea and scenic rural surroundings.

Key Features:

  • Length: 16 kilometers
  • Surface: Mixed gravel, single tracks, and sealed roads
  • Environment: Native bush and coastal views
  • Highlights: Historic route, well-marked path

Whangārei Cycleway Network

Whangārei’s cycleway network connects key areas, including residential neighbourhoods, the Central Business District (CBD), and popular recreational spots. The Onerahi, Kamo, and Raumanga/Maunu Shared Paths form the backbone of this growing system, making commuting and recreation easy and safe.

Key Features of the Network:

  • Accessibility: Smooth, concrete paths for bikes, scooters, and prams.
  • Convenience: Amenities such as sports grounds, schools, and toilets along routes.
  • Expansion Plans: New connections are planned for Port Nikau, Tikipunga, and central pathways.

Raumanga/Maunu Shared Path

This shared path links Raumanga and Maunu, providing a pleasant, family-friendly ride through parks and residential areas with access to schools, shops, and shaded spots.

Key Features:

  • Length: Approximately 5 kilometers
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Highlights: Convenient access to local parks and retail areas

Coastal Track – Whangārei Heads

The Whangārei Heads area offers coastal tracks with breathtaking views and is a great destination for experienced cyclists. The rugged terrain offers a mix of dirt, gravel, and paved sections along the coast, with the chance to spot local wildlife and enjoy the serene coastal landscape.

Key Coastal Route Highlights:

  • Difficulty: Moderate to advanced
  • Scenic Views: Coastal cliffs, island views
  • Trail Conditions: Mixed surfaces, ideal for mountain biking in certain areas

Loop Road Bike Path – Maungatapere to Mangakahia

The Loop Road Bike Path connects Maungatapere to Mangakahia and offers a longer route through scenic farmland and countryside landscapes. Suitable for road cyclists, this loop is ideal for a half or full-day ride.

Key Features:

  • Length: Approximately 30-40 kilometers
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Surface: Paved roads
  • Highlights: Rolling hills, scenic rural views

Future Development Plans for Whangārei’s Cycleways

To encourage cycling and sustainable transportation, Whangārei is expanding its cycleway network. Upcoming projects include:

  • Urban Pathways: Connecting central Whangārei with nearby neighborhoods.
  • New Coastal Routes: Developing trails to showcase Whangārei’s coastline, with planned routes through Port Nikau and Otaika.
  • Rural Trails: Extending access to scenic countryside trails connecting rural areas.

Tips for Cyclists in Whangārei

  • Prepare for Weather: Whangārei’s weather can be variable, so check conditions, especially for mountain biking.
  • Stick to Marked Paths: Preserve natural habitats by staying on designated paths.
  • Respect Path Etiquette: Yield to pedestrians and signal before passing.
  • Bring Essentials: Always carry water, a small repair kit, and snacks on longer rides.

Final Thoughts on Cycling in Whangārei

Whangārei’s variety of cycle tracks makes it an excellent destination for cyclists of all kinds. From central city loops to coastal and forest trails, the city offers paths that accommodate every skill level and preference. As Whangārei’s cycleway network expands, it’s clear that the city is committed to fostering a vibrant, cyclist-friendly community, promoting a healthy and environmentally-friendly lifestyle in the Northland region.