Hawke's Bay Trails

Stretching from Bay View in the north to Cape Kidnappers in the South, with Napier, Hastings and Havelock North in between– this big, beautiful trail network follows a mix of dedicated cycle paths and quiet country roads. Choose from many route options from an easy trail to a full day, it’s a great way to reach many Hawke’s Bay attractions while soaking up the scenery. If you want a taste of what Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand (opens in new window)has to offer, the Hawkes Bay Trails(opens in new window) has plenty to whet your appetite. 

Ride experience

Stretching across the Heretaunga Plains and along the Pacific Coast, the beauty of this extensive network is the variety of scenery and attractions.

The 200km of trail is almost entirely flat, clearly signposted, and divided into three themed trails – Water, Wineries, and Landscapes – which connect the towns of Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. They also link into the excellent local iWay urban cycleways, making this one of New Zealand’s best places to see the sights by bike. 

Delicious day rides can be had around the Bay’s world-class wineries offering al fresco dining, artisan food producers and a detour up Te Mata Peak. Another favourite is the Puketapu Loop(opens in new window), a cruise along the Tutaekuri River to reach the welcoming Puketapu pub. 

String together a urban tour of art deco Napier on the Marine Parade Explorer(opens in new window), and venture onward into Ahuriri dining precinct, fascinating wetlands and family-friendly Crab Farm winery(opens in new window). 

Nature-lovers will find plenty to see and enjoy, especially along the Cape Coast Ride which takes in the Clive, Waitangi Regional Park wetlands(opens in new window), the Ātea a Rangi Star(opens in new window) Compass(opens in new window), seabird beaches, and the amazing Cape Kidnappers gannet colony.

Need to know

• Most of the trail is wide, smooth and flat, making it mostly grade 1–2 (easiest to easy) and therefore suitable for beginners upwards. Very suitable for E-bikers. 
• Choose from many day ride options or ride the full trail over several days, stopping overnight at the many different accommodation options from camping to high-end hotels. 
• There’s plenty of bike hire companies in convenient locations, along with shuttle services and tour options. 
• There is an easy-to-follow map, and the trail is well signposted.  You will come across towns and settlements with holiday attractions, cafes, toilets and other visitor services
• The region is blessed with sunny summers and bright, mild winters, making for great riding at any time of year. But always check the weather before you begin and dress accordingly.  

Transport & tours

Hawke’s Bay(opens in new window) is big on biking, which makes it easy to get around either independently or on tours including fully inclusive packages catering to groups of all abilities.

Napier-based visitors can hire bikes from Napier City Bike Hire and Fishbike, and there are several other operators based amidst wine country.

Self-guided tours from half-day to multi-day, inclusive of bike hire, shuttles and accommodation, are offered by Bike About Tours and Takaro Trails.

Accommodation

Hawke’s Bay has plenty of appealing accommodation in the main trail towns of Napier, Hastings and Havelock North, and dotted throughout the surrounding countryside. Accommodation providers partnered with the trail are listed on Great Rides of New Zealand(opens in new window) and Hawke's Bay Trails(opens in new window).

Useful links

Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails(opens in new window)

Hawke's Bay Trails(opens in new window)

Hawke's Bay Tourism(opens in new window)

Great Rides app -(opens in new window) Hawke's Bay Trails