Ryan O’Connell, owner of local bike rental shop Switched on Bikes, says that the growing network of bike lanes through the city means there’s no better time to bike in Wellington.
Whether it’s by electric city cruiser, or e-powered mountain bike, here’s his top picks for places to head in Wellington during the Aotearoa Bike Challenge.
Oriental Bay – Pack your togs, towel, and some cash for an ice cream. Take the bike lane via Cambridge and Kent Terrace, or ride the shared waterfront from Switched-on Bikes. Park up at the flash new bike box to secure your wheels outside Freyberg Pool.
Te Motu Kairaingi/Miramar Peninsula – Keep going around the waterfront from Oriental Bay, following the shared paths and bike lanes all the way to Shelly Bay Road. One small section is still on the road. Te Motu Kairangi/Miramar Peninsula has a colourful history, and is one of Wellington’s most picturesque waterside roads. Stop off at the recently upgraded Chocolate Fish Café.
Mt Victoria – There’s no more romantic view of Wellington City and its harbour than from Mt Vic on a summer’s evening. Take a ride along the Cambridge-Kent Terrace bike lane through the Basin Reserve all the way to Newtown, cruise up Constable Street and Alexandra Road to the summit. Catch the sunset, and head back to Newtown or the city for dinner.
Botanic Garden ki Paekākā – Ride from the waterfront, follow the Whitmore-Bowen Street bike lane past the Beehive, all the way to the Soundshell. Lock your bikes at the garden gates and lose yourself in nature. Pack a picnic and wander the paths and gardens with your family. Check out the lily pond in the Begonia House during the day, or the glow worm-lined paths at night.
Pariwhero Red Rocks – Take an off-road adventure around the south coast to Pariwhero Red Rocks. The Brooklyn hill bike lane will get you part of the way there, then it’s a fun, gravity-assist down the other side to Ōwhiro Bay and Red Rocks. Pick a day that’s not too windy and if you’re lucky you’ll get to see seals lounging on the rocks. A clear day gets you views of the Kaikoura mountains.
Wellington City Council would like to thank Belén Vegan Bakery, Mug Cycle / Tuatua Cafe, EkeRua ReBicycle, My Ride Wellington, Cycle Wellington, Switched on Bikes, Beam, Flamingo, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Bicycle Junction, among other local organisations, for making this event possible.