Te Ara Tupua Shared Path
Te Ara Tupua (The Ancient Pathway) is a state of the art 4.5km shared path which completes the walking and cycling link between Wellington city and Pito-One (Lower Hutt) within the tribal authority of Te Āti Awa and Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika. Along the way you’ll take in stunning views of Te-Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington’s harbour) and enjoy a smooth and flat ride along the coast. The ūranga (landscaped rest areas) along the cycle way are a great place to rest, take in the views and learn the rich history of Te Āti Awa iwi through information boards. Incredible sculptured work at both the Ngauranga (Ngā Ūranga) and Petone (Pito One) ends of the path are conceptualised as the ends of a waka taua (Traditional Māori War Canoe).
Ride to the end of the pathway and check out Honiana Te Puni Reserve and return to the city for a great ride, or continue onwards along the Pito-One foreshore shared cycle way to grab a bike to eat or all the way around to Days Bay for an incredible ride.
1. Switched on Bikes – Petone + Seashore Cabaret Cafe
Distance: 23.4 km (14.5 miles) round trip
This is a fantastic ride around Wellington’s waterfront and onto to Te Ara Tupua cycle way, which takes you around our harbour to Petone with a stop at the legendary local favourite cafe, Seashore Cabaret. A great trip for families that’s straightforward, safe and picturesque. You’ll get to experience all the best bits of cycling in Wellington; cruising the bustling waterfront, riding the city cycle ways past shops and cafes then onto the coastal path. It’s a mixture of separated cycle ways and shared paths with plenty of room to have fun and feel comfortable on two wheels no matter your skill level. This ride can be easily completed with our Half-Day rental option and is doable on both eBikes and regular bikes- an eBike can be especially handy for the ride home if you’ve filled up from lunch!
Seashore Cabaret in Petone is a great spot to look back on the city, get some seriously good food and taste a excellent Wellington coffee. The vibe of the interior is eclectic and unique with pinball machines and retro decor inside this former surf club. Check it out at 160 The Esplanade, Petone.
2.Wellington-Te Ara Tupua -Days Bay with Ferry Return
Distance: 24.7km (15.34 miles) of riding
Ferry Bookings Recommended for Bikes: Book Here
Take in all of the beauty of Te-Whanganui-A-Tara with a full ride around the harbour to Days Bay and a sea voyage back to the city on the East by West Ferry! This ride offers all the best of the Wellington cycle network including the city, waterfront and Te Ara Tupua cycle way.
The Petone foreshore cycle way stretches across the entire north side of the harbour with lots of places to stop and check out the beach, food trucks for a bite and ship themed playground. You’ll get fantastic views of Wellington city on the bike paths to the Eastbourne area as you wind around this coastal cycle way and the opportunity to spot some unique architecture around these bays. This ride is varied and great for families with older kids. As a bonus, continue past Eastbourne and tackle the cylcing/walking only Pencarrow Coast Road to the Pencarrow Light House!
The East by West Ferry leaving from Days Bay is the coolest return trip to Wellington. Roll your bikes onto the ferry and sit up top! It’s a great opportunity to look for wildlife including Kororā (Little Blue Penguin) and if you’re lucky; dolphins and whales! Make sure you’re familiar with the ferry timetable and pre-book your ride at the link above for bringing bikes on the ferry.
A Full Day eBike Rental is a great option for this ride, allowing you to take your time and explore. Head to Jackson Street in Petone and park up your bikes for a craft beer at the Abandoned Taproom. Whipped up an appetite? Grab a pizza or a sundae at the Days Bay Pavilion across the road from the ferry wharf.