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.
On this page
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Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has supported the development of pathways on its riverside land, across stopbanks and some other protected areas. In terms of flood control, the pathways have been carefully constructed. The surfaces vary but are usually compacted limesand.
- The surface is good for walkers, runners, cyclists, wheelchairs and prams
- Motorbikes, quad bikes and other vehicles are prohibited from the pathways
- fences at the bottom of stopbanks discourage vehicles
- Horses are not allowed on the limesand trails
- instead use the dedicated Horse Trail between the BMX track at Clive (by the boat ramp) and River Road via the coast at East Clive and the Tukituki River berm. Refer to our Horse Trail page
- Signs indicate where livestock may be grazing
- they keep grass (and costs) down at the river edges
- stay clear of electric stock fencing
- Carry all rubbish with you
- Please report any dumped rubbish or vehicles, burning or pollution
- call 835 9200 at any time to report.
The pathways in each city are great for exercise and recreation. They are designed with durable, hard surfaces, safety barriers at crossings and clearly marked routes giving safe transit for pedestrians, cyclists and runners. Off-road pathways connect to roads with designated cycle lanes. See the links above for more information.
| 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.
Funding has come from a variety of sources - Rotary Clubs have raised a lot of funds; Councils (city, district and regional) have contributed for the community benefit; and where there is a direct safety benefit, Land Transport NZ have contributed up to 61% of associated costs.
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