5 minute read
Cycle the Hawke's Bay Trails
WINERIES RIDE, WATER RIDE and LANDSCAPES RIDE - 1-4 DAYS - 200KM
© AA Traveller 2021
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© AA Traveller 2021
© Hawke’s Bay Trails
From the trail you can enjoy handmade cheese to the richest of ice cream, the coffee is to die for, and long, languid lunches and dinners are almost a condition of entry. Even if your interests lie in the arts, nature and outdoors, Hawke’s Bay has that covered, too.
With mile upon mile of mostly flat gentle terrain, coastal trails, picnic spots, great surf and idyllic swimming holes, you’re invited to earn this array of indulgences.
Easiness prevails here. With nearly 200km spread over three unique rides, enjoy the year-round Mediterranean-like climate. Pick and choose from mostly flat off-road routes, that don’t go above Grades 1 to 3. Even the littlest of legs (here’s looking at you, kid) can give it a whirl and playgrounds litter the routes. With this variety of trails offering different experiences to enjoy, you’ll want to stay a few nights. There are endless ways to plan your journey into multi-day itineraries by utilising the region’s vast bike hire, cycle tour and accommodation options.
And if you need a break from the saddle the region features a multitude of attractions, from the National Aquarium, mini-golf or golf, gannet colonies, museums, galleries, Splash Planet Water Park, Te Mata Peak and shopping centres – such is the magnificence of this region’s offerings.
You can even ride directly from Hawke’s Bay Airport, the trails are literally out of their front door.
RIDING THE TRAIL
WATER RIDE, 90KM GRADE 1 (EASIEST) The Water Ride encompasses the flat, easy trails surrounding the city of Napier. The 20km concrete section from Bay View to Napier and onto Clive is suitable for all recreational users including wheelchairs. Inland following the estuary, you can explore pre-earthquake history, a working farm, while traversing conservation land, to learn about the wetlands, teeming with estuary birdlife. The ride then takes you up the Tūtaekurī River to Puketapu Pub and back to Waitangi Regional Park.
WINERIES RIDE, 45KM GRADE 1-2 (EASIEST-EASY) The loop around the Gimblett Gravels, Ngatarawa Triangle and Bridge Pā is a great way to get a taste of some of the Bay’s world-class chardonnays, Bordeaux-style reds and syrah. Around a dozen wineries line the route; some have cellar-door dining – ring ahead to check opening hours and make bookings. Refreshing craft beer or cider is a short detour away, either at Roosters Brewery, on Omahu Road or a short detour up the road from Fernhill to Zeffer Cidery. Roys Hill Reserve or Hastings Golf Club are good places to start, or access the ride from Hastings via the iWay city cycling route, or from Clive by riding along the Ngaruroro river trail.
LANDSCAPES RIDE, 55KM GRADE 1-3 (EASIEST – INTERMEDIATE) The Landscapes Ride explores the picturesque coastal communities of Clive, Haumoana, Te Awanga and Clifton, before connecting with the village of Havelock North. The coast section of the trail borders the pacific ocean connecting you to the iconic Cape Kidnappers. Travelling inland the river section of the trail explores the Tukituki Valley, traversing the foothills of sleeping giant ‘Te Mata; and into the quaint Havelock North Village.
PUKETAPU LOOP (SECTION OF WATER RIDE), 18KM GRADE 1-2 (EASIEST-EASY) The Puketapu pub is a major destination of this excellent short loop from Taradale on the outskirts of Napier. The trail follows the banks of the pretty Tūtaekurī River (with some short on-road sections), attractions including a historic church, pā (Māori fortified village), gallery and chocolate factory café, plus plenty of spots for picnics and swimming. Around the halfway point, Puketapu village is a rewarding pit-stop with its popular country pub, and a store next door serving ice creams. Riders wanting a longer outing can start at Waitangi Regional Park, on the coast and cycle upstream for 10km beside the Tūtaekurī River to Taradale.
CLIVE TO CLIFTON (SECTION OF LANDSCAPES RIDE), 15KM GRADE 1-2 (EASIEST-EASY) Starting at the township of Clive, this short but intensely picturesque section of the Landscapes Ride hugs the Pacific Ocean, passing through coastal communities along the way. Highlights of the trail include wetlands, vistas of Cape Kidnappers across the bay, informative local cultural and heritage art installations, wineries, cafés, a museum, a popular surfing spot and even a farmyard zoo. Arguably the ride’s best feature, however, is accessed from the seaside hamlet of Clifton – gateway to Cape Kidnappers. The gannet colony, with the birds in residence from October to March, is viewable on either a 3–4hr guided tour; or by hiring fat bikes from a depot at Clifton.
Gannets at Cape Kidnappers © Hawke’s Bay Tourism
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAIL
• Ātea a Rangi Star Compass is a series of large Māori carvings that form a striking Celestial Circle to represent traditional Māori navigation methods. Located in Waitangi Regional Park, a short drive from Napier.
• Head to the Ice Creamery on Heretaunga St in Hastings and sit amongst the roses and fish ponds while you enjoy an iconic Rush Munro’s ice cream.
• Origin Earth is an artisan cheese factory in Havelock North. Pop in for cheese tasting and a wedge of something punchy for your picnic.
• Venture a little off trail to find the Waiohiki Creative Arts Village: an art studio, workshop and gallery. The community is home to artists-in-residence so you’ll also meet various creatives.
• With over 70 wineries in the region, vineyard bike hopping is top of most people’s to-do list.
• Visit the coastal suburb of Awatoto and watch the model airplanes soar overhead.
• Large swells rolling in from the east make the surf at Te Awanga fantastic. Grab a coffee at a nearby café or feed the alpacas at Hawke’s Bay Farmyard petting zoo.
• Discover Wetlands rich in native birds. Stop off at the bird hides and spy a myriad of species.
• Cape Kidnappers peninsula is home to the largest gannet colony in the world (gannets can be seen from September to early April). Visit at your own risk and check warning signs.
• The sunny Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s oldest wine regions and home to a multitude of vineyards. The wine region produces numerous grape varieties, with chardonnay being the most widely planted.
• Stop for a break in the little settlement of Puketapu. Home to The Puketapu, a traditional country pub with excellent meals, a general store with delicious ice creams and a great kids’ playground.
• All sorts of chocolate marvels are made in front of patron’s eyes at Silky Oak Chocolates found in Napier.
