Napier and Hastings contain an extensive network of cycling and walking off-road pathways, linking the two cities and coastal settlements. Since the initial 2002 project, started by Napier City Mayor Barbara Arnott with Rotary clubs, Hastings District and the Regional Council have also worked to help create Heretaunga Ararau - the land of a hundred pathways.
Regarding itself as the Cycling Capital of New Zealand and what began in Hawke's Bay as the Rotary Pathways has more recently become known as Hawke's Bay Trails, adding to the many cycling pursuits, events and activities on offer in the region. The trails are part of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, with three distinct sections forming a "Great Ride" in the region: the Landscapes Ride, the Water Ride and the Wineries Ride.
Government funding has enabled this project, together with leadership and additional funding from Hawke's Bay Regional Council. An annual maintenance programme by each of the Councils helps to maintain the quality of the trail surface, seats, tables and other facilities.
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Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has supported the development of pathways on its riverside land, across stopbanks and other protected areas. The pathways have been carefully constructed to meet flood control requirements when they run along river stopbanks. The surfaces vary but are usually compacted limesand or concrete. They're great for exervcise and recreation. Off-road trails connect to roads with designated cycle-ways.
- The surface is good for people and unpowered vehicles, like bikes and prams
- Motorbikes, quad bikes and other vehicles are not allowed
- Horses are not allowed on the limesand trails
- instead use the dedicated Horse Trail - refer to our Horse Trail page
- Signs indicate where livestock may be grazing, which keeps grass (and costs) down
- Leave only foot (and tyre) prints - no rubbish please
- Please report any dumped rubbish or vehicles, burning or pollution to 835 9200, at any time
| FROM |
TO |
DISTANCE (KM) |
| Bay View (south end) |
Westshore (Pandora Pond) |
5.0 |
| Westshore (Pandora Pond) |
Port of Napier |
3.8 |
| Port of Napier |
Awatoto |
10.3 |
| Awatoto |
Pettigrew Green Arena |
8.7 |
| Awatoto |
Pakowhai Country Park |
7.2 |
| Awatoto |
Clive |
3.0 |
| Clive |
East Clive |
4.1 |
| East Clive |
Black Bridge |
2.2 |
| Black Bridge |
River Road |
7.7 |
| River Road |
Havelock North CBD |
3.7 |
| Havelock North CBD |
Hastings CBD |
4.3 |
| Hastings CBD |
Pakowhai Country Park |
6.8 |
| Port |
Port (route below) |
35 |
| Bay View |
Havelock North (route below) |
40 |
Port to Port route – this is a 35km circular loop via Marine Parade, Awatoto, Tutaekuri River, Pettigrew Green Arena, Gloucester Street, Church Road, Prebensen Drive, West Quay and Hardinge Road, with only 7.5km on-road.
Bay View to Havelock North via the pathways is a trip of about 40km, with only about 9km on-road.
Hawke's Bay Trails is a project coordinated by Hawke's Bay Regional Council, worth approximately $5.5 million. Funding has come from a variety of sources:
Nga Haerenga the New Zealand Cycle Trails $2.6 million
Hawke's Bay Regional Ccouncil $2.1 million
Napier and Hastings Rotary Pathway Trusts $267,000
Napier City Council $195,000
Hastings District Council $310,000
Napier City and Hastings District Councils with Hawke's Bay Regional Council have contributed to the construction and ongoing maintenance of trails for community and tourism benefits.
Land Transport NZ have contributed up to 61% of costs where there is a direct safety benefit.
If you would like to donate or give your support to further development of the Hawke's Bay Trails, please contact Neil Daykin, Design Engineer, 06 833 8048, daykin@hbrc.govt.nz