Ways to move around Wellington city

Here in Pōneke, you can now find safer places to gain confidence and clock up some kilometres in many neighbourhoods or try out the safer routes into the city from all directions. 

There’s still some work happening in a few locations, but safer biking routes are now in place into the city from the east, west, south and north. Plus, there’s lots of opportunities along the way to take a break, park up, and check out cafes and shops, parks and beaches. Find out how you can make the most of these routes or take part in the Aotearoa Bike Challenge.

East

There is now a connected network of bike lanes in Kilbirnie, Rongotai and Lyall Bay with good links to Kilbirnie Park, the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre and Ākau Tangi Sports Centre with its beautiful new mural. 

You can bike all the way to Lyall Bay beach or the Miramar shops from the city via the coastal route around Evans Bay, passing Freyberg beach and pool, Oriental Bay, Balaena Bay and Hataitai beach (where there is some work happening to strengthen a seawall) on the way. Or head over the hill to Newtown via the Crawford Road bike lane, and the low-traffic route via Wilson Street. 

If you’re just getting started, the 9kilometre ride around Evans Bay between Waitangi Park and Te Motu Kairangi/Miramar Peninsula might be a good choice as it can be done without going on the road at all. 

You’ll pass the Meridian Energy wind sculptures and might even spot a pod of dolphins. 

West 

Improvements on the route from the west are nearly complete, which means it’s now easier and safer to ride all the way to Karori Park and the Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park.  

If you’re coming from the city, you’ll pass Kaiota the mural by Ariki Brightwell riding up Bowen Street. You’ll also be able to stop and smell the roses in the Lady Norwood Rose Garden or check out the gorgeous and inspiring drought-resistant summer flowers near the main entrance of Botanic Garden ki Paekākā.  

There’s also a new uphill bike lane and other sustainable transport improvements in Aro Valley, which will get you to some great walking and mountain bike tracks and some very desirable food and beer spots.   

South 

From Shorland Park in Island Bay on the south coast, you can ride all the way to the waterfront and city. Stop for a coffee, icecream or lunch along the way and check out the street art and revamped Island Bay and Berhampore shopping centres. 

From there it is on to Newtown with its unique mix of shops and places to eat, and busy Saturday fruit and vegetable market. You’ll pass the hospital and Basin Reserve before cruising along the wide and popular new Cambridge Terrace bike lane to Waitangi Park and beyond. 

You’ll see blue niho taniwha designs marking spots where awa once flowed above ground on this route and others. 

North 

If you live in the inner north suburbs of Wadestown, Ngaio and Crofton Downs, and fancy a ride, this could be the summer to try new bike lanes and safer riding routes in your neighbourhoods. 

We’re backing the Ngaio and Crofton Downs Residents’ Association’s ambitious goal to become the first carbon-neutral suburbs in the world.  More people taking more trips by bike will help with that. 

The 2.9km Ngaio route makes it easier for more people to bike up Kaiwharawhara Road and Ngaio Gorge Road and get to the Kaiwharawhara Bridle Path and Trelissick Park. 

Heading down hill, sharing with traffic, you’ll be able to get into the city more safely via Hutt Road and Thorndon Quay bike paths and lanes. Take care along Thorndon Quay. Work there is due to be complete by mid-2025.   

Find out about the work planned and under way for transport options in Wellington.