Explore Auckland on two wheels: The best cycle tracks and trails

Power to the Pedal

Suitable for: Visitors, guided city experiences

If you don’t have your own bike, Power to the Pedal makes it easy to explore Auckland on two wheels. They offer e-bike hire and guided tours that cover highlights like Te Ara I Whiti - The Lightpath, the City Centre Loop, and waterfront rides (more on those below). It’s a great way for visitors to get comfortable with cycling in the city, while picking up insider tips from a local guide.
 

eRide Waiheke

Suitable for: Visitors, wine and food lovers, island adventures

Hop on a Fullers360 ferry from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island and rent an e-bike from eRide Waiheke. The island is known for its rolling hills, picture-perfect beaches, and award-winning vineyards, and an e-bike makes exploring it all much more accessible. Take a self-guided tour or follow mapped routes that wind along coastal roads, and into boutique cellar doors; perfect for combining your ride with a wine tasting or long lunch at one of the island’s many eateries.

Central City Loop Path

Length: 6.7 km
Suitable for: Visitors, sightseeing, central city exploring

This loop ties the central city together, linking Te Ara I Whiti - The Lightpath, Viaduct Harbour, Karangahape Road and Grafton Gully. It’s a fantastic way for visitors to see Auckland highlights by bike, with public art, the harbourfront, and city laneways all part of the ride. With plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shopping on route, it’s easy to make a day of it.
 

Te Ara | White - The Lightpath

Length: less than 1 km 
Suitable for: Iconic city sights, family outings, visitors

Few cycleways are as instantly recognisable as Auckland’s bright pink Lightpath. Short but spectacular, it’s perfect for families with young riders or anyone wanting a safe, car-free spin in the heart of the city. At night, interactive lighting makes it a fun attraction in itself. For the best photo opportunity, head to the path just before sunset, so that you can capture the beautiful sky colors and spectacular city lights in the background, including the iconic Sky Tower.

City to Bays Path

Length: 10 km one way
Suitable for: Exploring central suburbs and harbour vistas

An iconic ride along Auckland’s waterfront, Tāmaki Drive is one of the city’s most popular cycling routes. Stretching from downtown Auckland to St Heliers, it’s a flat, easy path that’s loved by both commuters and leisure riders. The star of the show is the uninterrupted view across the Waitematā Harbour to Rangitoto Island.

Pack your beach towel; this ride passes some of Auckland’s popular central swimming spots, including Mission Bay, Kohimarama, and St Heliers. With cafés dotted all along the route, it’s a ride where a coffee or gelato is never far away.

Tāmaki Drive Cycleway

Length: 7 km one way
Suitable for: casual riders, fitness training

Hugging the Waitematā Harbour from downtown Auckland to St Heliers, this flat, seaside path is one of Auckland’s most popular cycleways. Families can take it at a leisurely pace, stopping at playgrounds or beaches along the way, or even paying a visit to popular family attraction SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s. The route is lined with cafés and ice cream stops, with Mission Bay the most popular spot to refuel.

Matakana Cycle Trail

Length: 8 km
Suitable for: Weekend trips, wine and market lovers

Start your ride in the heart of Matakana Village, where you can stock up at the bustling Saturday farmers market, or grab lunch at a local favourite like The Vintry or The Matakana Village Pub. 

From there, the trail winds through farmland and native bush, giving you a relaxed taste of rural life just an hour north of Auckland. Along the way, you’ll find cafés, wineries, and roadside stalls selling fresh produce. If you don’t have your own wheels, you can borrow some at Matakana Bicycle Hire. Extend your day by riding out to Omaha Beach for white sands and surf, or visit the Sculptureum for its art-filled gardens and galleries.
 

Pakuranga Rotary Path

Length: 18 km return
Suitable for: Family-friendly exploring

A smooth, mostly flat ride that traces the edge of the Tāmaki Estuary and Whakaaranga Creek, this popular path serves up wide views across the river and out to Maungarei (Mt Wellington). It stretches from Farm Cove through to the Panmure Bridge, with plenty of seating and picnic spots along the way, perfect for a mid-ride pause to watch boats moving up and down the river.

The trail connects with the wider Auckland cycle network, making it easy to link into longer eastern rides, including nearby Cascades Path.

Henderson Loop Path

Length: 6 km
Suitable for: Leisure riders, families

This scenic circuit weaves together Henderson Creek, local reserves, and a stretch of the North Western Cycleway, offering a mix of nature and urban sights. The ride is mostly flat and follows shared paths, making it a good option for anyone wanting to build confidence on two wheels. Henderson Creek was once alive with traders, farmers, orchardists, and vintners, and you’ll still find touches of that history along the way. 

Wattle Downs South Path

Length: 8 km return
Suitable for: Quiet coastal cruising

Tucked away on the southern edge of Auckland, the Wattle Downs South Path is a peaceful ride (or walk) that follows the coastline of the Manukau Harbour. The fully paved track loops around the peninsula, offering wide coastal views across to the Manukau Heads and plenty of quiet corners to pause and take it all in.

The route is mostly flat with a few gentle hills, making it suitable for all ages and abilities, including children and newer riders. At the southern end, Pāpākiri / Saint Annes Foreshore features a playground where kids can burn off extra energy before heading home.

Onehunga to Stonefields

Length: 11.5 km
Suitable for: Weekend outings, families, nature lovers

This flat, scenic ride is a great weekend option with two sections, connected by an underpass beneath SH20, making it ideal to explore at your own pace.

Starting from Onehunga, you’ll first follow the shoreline of the Upper Manukau Harbour, with wide views across the water. Continue on to Ambury Regional Park, a working farm park that’s perfect for a picnic and a chance to see animals up close. From here, you can extend your ride along gravel paths that loop around the headland towards Stonefields. This stretch passes bird sanctuaries and lagoons, where keen eyes may spot a variety of wetland species.

Woodhill Forest Tracks

Length: Various (from beginner loops to advanced MTB)
Suitable for: Mountain bikers, adventurous families

West of the city, Woodhill Forest is Auckland’s off-road playground. With dozens of purpose-built mountain bike trails, it caters to everyone from beginners to expert riders. Family loops are gentle and shaded, while advanced riders can test their skills on jump lines and technical trails. Bikes and gear are available to hire, along with mechanic service, pro-shop, and a café, so you can make it a full-day adventure.

Devonport to Takapuna

Length: 6 km one way
Suitable for: Family rides, seaside exploring

Start your ride with a scenic Fullers360 ferry trip from downtown Auckland to Devonport. If you don’t have your own bike, you’ll find some for hire within Devonport village. From there, the route to Takapuna threads together coastal boardwalks, quiet streets, and bridges, taking you past heritage areas, mangroves, and parks.

While much of the ride follows safe, shared paths, the start and finish include short stretches on busier roads, so pay close attention to young children, or hop off your bike and walk it along the footpath.. Takapuna’s lively dining strip makes an ideal lunch stop, or a chance to cool off with a swim at Takapuna Beach before heading back.

Northcote Path

Length: 5.2 km
Suitable for: A family-friendly ride, commuters

This separated cycleway connects Northcote to Smales Farm on the North Shore, so you can bike, walk or scoot safely from Te Onewa Northcote Point ferry terminal to Smales Farm bus station, and beyond. 

Start by taking the ferry from the city and enjoy the views across the harbour. Stop in at the iconic Northcote Tavern, or grab some lunch at Northcote town centre, where there are a range of delicious international eateries to choose from. Then cruise down Northcote Road to cross the Tapuwae Bridge and reward yourself with a cool drink or something to eat at Smales Farm - the Fantail and Turtle gastropub is a favourite with the locals. 

Te Ara Tahuna / Ōrewa Estuary Path

Length: 7.6 km loop
Suitable for: Families, nature lovers, easy rides

This mostly flat estuary loop north of the city is a family favourite. You’ll pass wetlands and mangroves teeming with birdlife, playgrounds, sportsfields, a skatepark and space for a breather along the way.

Ōrewa itself is a perfect post-ride spot for refueling: grab an ice cream, enjoy a swim, or dine at one of the many beachfront cafés. The wide shared path is popular with walkers, so weekends can be busy, but it’s always safe and accessible for riders of all ages.