Hawke's Bay
Cycle-friendly, 80 wineries, awesome weather, scenery and food… What’s not to like about Hawke’s Bay! Add in Beginner to Expert, and extreme Downhill trails, MTB parks, pump tracks and heli-biking, there’s something for everyone. The consistently superb weather of Hawke’s Bay, and the sure length of trails available makes this area a very attractive mountain biking destination. The Hawkes Bay Trails consist of over 180kms of riding, tiki-touring along the shore line and through wineries across the Napier/ Hastings region. There is also 80km of awesome purpose-built tracks at the Eskdale Mountain Bike Park and higher altitude riding in Te Mata Park. And then there’s the pump tracks - the riding just goes on and on.
Local Trail Guide - Hawke's Bay
Marine Park Pump Track
Napier City Council built this large pump track in early 2015. An all-weather concrete surface with multiple lines suitable for all ages and abilities, for MTB’s, BMX’s, scooters and skateboards.
Taradale Dirt Park & Pump Track
Located over the stopbank beside the Pettigrew Green Area in Taradale, the Dirt Park is a family friendly jump park within a fenced off area. Beginner-intermediate level dirt jump park, a full size pump track and an extreme dirt jump park.
Hawkes Bay Cycle Trail
Part of the NZ Cycle Trail network the Hawke’s Bay Cycle trail is made up of three main trails. The trails meander throughout the diverse landscape of the Napier and Hastings region. There are plenty of facilities along the way.
The trails are mostly flat and can be ridden in parts or the complete trail can be accomplished in 2-3 days.
The Water Ride
For a taste of the Water Ride, that is easy, short and scenic, start on Napier’s Marine Parade and head north along the Pacific coastline.
The Water Ride is flat, easy and perfect for families and can be completed in smaller parts or in its 96km entirety. For a great family ride start at Bay View and ride south to the seaside village of Ahuriri. Ahuriri is a great place to stop for lunch. From there it is worth carrying on along Marine Parade to soak up the Pacific Ocean.
Those keen on a longer ride can include the Taradale loop and take in a few wineries along the way. Another option is to head to the Ahuriri Estuary, a sanctuary for endangered wetland wildlife, or to the quaint Puketapu settlement.
Description
Distance: 20 km return ride. Timing: 1-2 hours
Flat 3m wide concreted shared pathway with wooden boardwalk sections
Inside ride
Suitable for all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
100% rideable.
Getting there
Free parking along Marine Parade.
Full amenities on the trail.
Maps available from Hawke’s Bay i-SITES and Visitor Information Centres.
The Landscape Ride
A larger section of the 56km Landscape Ride is along the coastline south of Clive. Start at Clive, cross Black Bridge and head to the coastal communities of Haumoana, Te Awanga and Clifton. The easy ride boasts stunning views of Cape Kidnappers and Te Mata Peak. There is a store along the way and a few wineries. From Clifton you can take a pre-booked tour to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony.
A more challenging ride is inland from Clive the Tukituki River Valley road loop which overlooks vineyards on one side and the Tukituki River on the other and fabulous views of the impressive Te Mata Peak.
The Wineries Ride
The Wineries Ride is an easy ride that covers the wine-growing areas of Bridge Pa, Gimblett Gravels and the Ngatarawa Triangle. The mostly off road trail is dotted with award-winning wineries giving plenty of food and beverage choices along the way. A good starting point is Bridge Pa or you can start in Clive on the Water Trail and then link up some of the Wineries.
The Coastal Ride
The Coastal Ride is a combination of the Water Ride and the Landscape Ride. Allow 2–3 hours for this very easy 26km ride along the Pacific Coastline. Start at Fishbike on Marine Parade and head south toward Cape Kidnappers. Take care to follow the pathway signs. The path ends at Clifton by the beach. Head to the nearby Clearview Winery or to the café to fuel up before you ride back to Napier.
Pan Pac Eskdale MTB Park
The main park, Pan Pac Eskdale MTB Park is a 10 minute drive from Napier and offers heaps of sweet single-tracks for all abilities. It is one of New Zealands largest and a very highly regarded Mountain Bike Park. Set within the privately owned, productive working, Pan Pac ‘Tangoio’ Forest is the Hawkes Bay Mountain Bike Club’s purpose built facility.
Logistics
For non-club members, MTB Visitor Permits are required for access into this private forest. Purchase yours from any local bike shop, Napier I-Site or the Bayview 4 Square, or online at www.hawkesbaymtb.co.nz
Te Mata Peak Park
Te Mata Peak Park, just south of Havelock North has a number of dual use walking and biking tracks suitable for riders of all levels. The main track starts from the pine tree at the top and heads down into the valley to either the entrance car park, or down to Tauroa Road car park, there are also numerous lap tracks.