Cr John Watson is a keen cyclist. The Coast has a whole swag of really good bike rides – from those just out for a relaxed ride to those intent on clocking up some serious mileage. Here are 5 of his top recreational rides:
The end of the peninsula – Gulf Harbour/Hobbs Bay/Army Bay loop – Start with a ride out to the Hammerhead at Gulf Harbour marina to warm up. Coming back, turn right through the Gulf Harbour town centre, around the scenic marina track adjacent to marina canal and Hobbs Bay Wharf, then up the hill to the end of Pinecrest Drive. Here there is a walkway through the golf course and across the ridge at the top of Park View (taking in stunning views over Okoromai Bay). Turn right for Army Bay.
Historic Whangaparāoa – Arkles Bay/Weiti Boat Club – This is a hidden gem, taking in a part of the Coast that has retained its old world charm. Head down Arkles Drive, the old road that used to serve the wharf for the steamers sailing up from Auckland in the 1920s, fly along The Strand, through Ferry Road to Wade River Road – it’s bush covered and you get great views over to Stillwater. If the tide is out at the wharf you can ride around to one of the smallest beaches on the Coast with its handful of picture postcard houses.
Cycleways galore – the Milldale circuit – If you’re looking for a brand new network of separated cycleways and purpose built cycleways then take a look at the new suburb of Milldale – there are separated cycleways around the outside of the development that run alongside a continuous bush reserve with occasional forays into the countryside – great for families.
Popularity personified – Ōrewa Estuary – No list of bike rides would be complete without the most popular track on the Coast –the circuit around Ōrewa Estuary and Millwater. A cycling and walking success story that draws plenty of visitors.
Poetry in motion – Shakespear Regional Park – There are a number of good cycle tracks around the Regional Park – overlooking Te Haruhi Bay and Tiri Tiri Matangi Island. See birds, sheep, cows and air raid shelters along the way in this scenic tour of the end of the peninsula.
Countryside ride – For cyclists far more active than me there are some great rides around the back roads of Waiwera and Wainui – a special part of the Coast, a world away from the hustle and bustle.
