Pedal Power: Exploring Auckland’s Best Bike Tracks
- By: Auckland for Kids
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Calling all families looking for outdoor fun! Auckland is brimming with fantastic bike tracks that are perfect for parents and kids to explore together. Whether you’re pedaling along the waterfront, cruising through parks, or adventuring along coastal paths, there’s a bike track in Auckland that will delight the whole family. Here’s a roundup of some of the best family-friendly bike tracks in the City of Sails:
Tamaki Drive, Auckland Waterfront
Take your family on a cycling adventure along the Auckland Waterfront, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor and city skyline. This flat, paved track is ideal for kids, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the sights. Start at Wynyard Quarter and pedal your way to Mission Bay, passing by parks, playgrounds, and cafes along the way. Pack a picnic and make a day of it with the family.
Westhaven Promenade, St Mary's Bay
For a family-friendly ride with stunning waterfront views, head to Westhaven Promenade. This shared pathway runs alongside the marina, offering a safe and scenic route for cyclists of all ages. Kids can watch boats come and go from the marina and enjoy spotting seabirds along the way.
Te Ara I Whiti Lightpath, Auckland City Centre
For a colorful and fun cycling experience, check out Te Ara I Whiti, also known as the pink Lightpath. Kids will love riding along the vibrant pink cycleway and admiring the street art along the way. This safe and separated bike track is perfect for families looking for a unique urban adventure.
Greville Reserve, Forrest Hill
Greville Reserve is a large flat area that is perfect for the kids to learn to ride or scooter on. It has a flat smooth bike track painted on the top the large concrete reservoir. There is a drop on one side of the reservoir so you will need to keep a close eye on the kids if they are little.
For teens and experienced riders there is a mountain biking track that goes through the reserve.
There is also the neighbourhood playground, basketball court and turf fields at the reserve too!
Tole Reserve, Ponsonby
Tole Reserve bike track in Ponsonby is painted on the basketball court and due to its small size is suited to scooters and young bike riders the most. It’s the perfect spot to take the kids to learn to ride.
Next to the bike track is a playground, basketball court and skatebowl and a small bike track.
Read more about Tole Reserve playground and bike track here
Avondale Bike Path
The learn to ride bike path at the Avondale Central Reserve has painted on road markings including stop signs, roundabouts and a pedestrian crossing.
Next to the bike track is a basketball court and there is a playground close by too.
Waterview Reserve to Eric Armishaw Park shared path
Staring at Waterview Reserve where there is a fun playground, skatepark, pump track and basketball courts you then ride through the Waterview Heritage Area under the North Western Motorway and then along the boardwalk to Eric Armishaw Reserve in Point Chevalier, which has another fun playground for the kids. This is not a long bike or scooter ride, but as there is a playground at both ends, then it is likely that this will fill up most of the day for families with young kids. Older kids may wish to ride along the shared path along the NorthWestern motorway to Western Springs Park if they want a longer ride.
Rainbow Path on the Northwestern Cycleway
The Rainbow cycle path is part of the Northhwestern Cycleway and starts near the entrance to the path at Carrington Road in Mt Albert. It’s not a long path, but it is uphill (or downhill depending on the direction you are going) and the kids will enjoy the rainbow colours. Plus its a good spot to get a family photo.
Afterwards you can exit the cycleway and continue on to ride on the shared paths that connect to either Waterview Reserve or Eric Armishaw Park.
Western Springs Park
Western Springs is a park with a path that goes around the lake and borders the Auckland Zoo and MOTAT. While not technically a bike path, this is a good place for young kids to learn how to ride their bike or scooter. Kids will enjoy seeing the ducks and swans, plus there is a playground in the park near the Zoo entrance and public toilets.
Te Auanga - Oakley Creek shared path
This bike ride follows a wide conrete path along Te Auanga – Oakley Creek, one of Auckland’s longest urban streams. The shared path connects Waterview and Mount Albert. The kids will enjoy seeing the waterfall. At one end there is a playground in Harbutt Reserve for the kids to enjoy too.
Sanders Reserve Beginners Path, Paremoremo
If your kids like mountain biking then you need to visit Sanders Reserve in Paremoremore which has a beginners recreation path for kids. Once they have mastered the beginners trail, then there are more than 22km of trails in the Reserve to explore. There is a playground and picnic table near the beginners mountain bike path too.
Tamaki Path, Glen Innes to Point England
Tamaki Path is a 4km greenway that is a flat path that runs from Kiano Place in Glen Innes to Point England Reserve and along the Tamaki Estuary to the Panmure Yacht and Boating Club in Kings Road.
There are playgrounds close by to the Panmure end of the trail. Point England Reserve has a playground, picnic tables and a sandy beach on one side of the reserve.
Crossfield Reserve, Glendowie
Crossfield Reserve in Glendowie has a flat concrete that is good for young kids to ride and scooter on that goes around the edges of the Reserve. There is a playground, basketball court and skate park for the kids to enjoy as well.
Grey Lynn Pump Track
Tucked away within the bustling Grey Lynn Park lies a hidden gem for families seeking outdoor adventure: the Grey Lynn Pump Track. This purpose-built cycling track offers an exhilarating experience for riders of all ages and skill levels. With its beginner-friendly layout and emphasis on fun, the pump track is the perfect destination for families looking to spend a day in the great outdoors.
Kids can safely navigate the track’s gentle slopes and banked turns while parents cheer them on from the sidelines. Families can pack a picnic and make a day of it, exploring the park’s other amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails.
Onepoto Domain, Northcote
Onepoto Domain in Northcote is a haven for biking enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of trails and tracks to explore. The expansive park features winding pathways that meander through native bush, open fields, and alongside a picturesque lake, providing cyclists with a variety of terrain to enjoy. Families can pedal along the gentle lakeside trails, spotting ducks and swans along the way, while more experienced riders can tackle the technical mountain biking tracks that weave through the forested areas of the park. With its well-maintained trails, stunning natural scenery, and convenient location, Onepoto Domain is the perfect destination for a biking adventure in Northcote.
Taumanu Reserve, Onehunga
Taumanu Reserve, nestled along the shores of the Manukau Harbour in Onehunga, offers a scenic and inviting destination for biking families. The reserve features a well-maintained coastal pathway that winds its way along the waterfront, providing cyclists with stunning views of the harbour and the surrounding landscape. With its flat terrain and smooth surfaces, the pathway is perfect for riders of all ages and skill levels. As you pedal along the pathway, you’ll have the opportunity to spot native birdlife, take in the salty sea breeze, and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of this coastal oasis. Taumanu Reserve is not only a fantastic spot for biking but also a wonderful place to connect with nature and experience the beauty of Auckland’s waterfront.
Te Ara Tahuna Orewa Estuary Path
Fun family flat loop ride around Orewa estuary that is paved most of the way. You will go past the Orewa Arts Centre and the Orewa Skate Park at Western Reserve on the ride too!
Wattle Downs Bike Path
The Wattle Downs Bike path does from Kauri Point Reserve, along St Annes Foreshore past Wattle Downs Golf Course to Wattle Farm Ponds which has a playground nearby. The ride hugs the Manukau Harbour shoreline and you can spot the birds like the white-faced heron and oystercatcher.
Cornwall Park, Epsom
Cornwall Park, situated Epsom offers a delightful biking experience amidst lush greenery and iconic landscapes. Cyclists can explore the park’s extensive network of shared paths, which wind through rolling pastures, mature trees, and manicured gardens. The wide, paved pathways provide a smooth and scenic ride, suitable for riders of all ages and abilities. As you pedal through Cornwall Park, you’ll have the opportunity to admire panoramic views of the city skyline, Auckland’s volcanic cones, and the majestic Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) at the park’s centre.
One of our favourite parts of Cornwall Park is Daffodil Drive where kids can learn to ride in the path under the oak trees and in spring admire the daffodils growing next to the path!
Families can take a leisurely ride around the park’s perimeter or venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems and tranquil picnic spots. With its rich history, natural beauty, and family-friendly amenities, Cornwall Park is a beloved destination for cyclists seeking a peaceful and picturesque biking experience in Auckland.
Devonport to Takapuna Bike Path
Go from Devonport to Takapuna along this cycle route of cycle paths, boardwalks and residential streets. You will go through Nagatarina Park and Northboro Reserve on your ride.
If your kids are younger you many want to choose one part of this bike path rather than tackling all of it in one go.
Woodhill Mountain Bike Park
For families seeking a bit more adventure, head to Woodhill Mountain Bike Park for some off-road fun. The park offers a range of trails suited to riders of all ages and abilities, from gentle beginner tracks to thrilling downhill descents. Kids will love exploring the forest trails and practicing their mountain biking skills.
Remember to check out the rules about riding a bike in Auckland
Children are allowed to ride on footpaths in New Zealand if the diameter of their bikes whell is less than 35.5 centimetres (normally a small child’s bicycle or tricycle.). The law requires everyone in New Zealand to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle (this includes any children you are carrying).
When cycling with young children, you should either lead or be at the back of the group, depending on the children’s experience and the number of adults. If there is just one adult to supervise a group of young inexperienced riders, riding at the back of the group is best. Where there are two adults, one should lead and the other can observe and protect the group from behind.
At intersections you should ensure that when turning that your whole family can make the move safely. Depending on the ability of the children, you may decide that the group needs to stop in a safe place, get off and walk their cycles across difficult intersections. Find out more about cyclist-responsibilities in New Zealand here.
With these family-friendly bike tracks in Auckland, you’re sure to have a wheelie good time exploring the city and its beautiful surroundings. So grab your bikes, pack some snacks, and get ready for a two-wheeled adventure the whole family will love!
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