Five lesser-known off-road cycle paths in New Plymouth
New Plymouth is one of the few cities in the world where you can bike more or less through a forest on your way to work, college or the shops. These five off-road routes – ideal if you’re with kids or just finding the pedals yourself – are not as well known as the Coastal Walkway but provide excellent links between the suburbs and central city.
1 - Huatoki pathway
Mostly following the Huatoki awa beneath lush canopy, this path begins under the bridge at the Vivian Street on-ramp or at the top of Brougham Street by Taranaki Cathedral. It’s a leafy, relaxing way into the town centre from Vogeltown, Frankleigh Park, Ferndale or lower Westown.
The section between Brois Street and Huatoki Street’s one-lane bridge isn’t bike-friendly, but you can ride along Huatoki Street itself then take the reservoir access road eventually to Fernbrook Drive.
Best bit: Letting it rip on the sealed quarry access road – but keep left!
Watch out for: Signage on this path isn't the best. It can be unclear where to go next – best to ask someone. The adjacent path from Budleigh to Brois Street is currently too steep for bikes, but may hopefully one day provide better access from Frankleigh Park and Ferndale.
2 - Te Hēnui pathway
Another pathway that meanders beneath tall trees and through green fields, this route is ideal for those coming from Highlands Park, Welbourne, Merrilands and Strandon to the Coastal Walkway, then on to the central city or Bell Block.
This mostly sealed route has step-free entrances at Newland Place, Cumberland Street, Timandra Street and many more places.
Best bit: Use it in summer to get to Paris Plage for live music, food and drinks.
Watch out for: From Cumberland Street bridge an alternate route travels along the Welbourne side of the stream, rejoining the main path near Northgate. It makes a great loop walk, but would be practical for few cyclists – best use the sealed path on the Merrilands side.
3 - Mangati pathway
A fairly new route linking Bell Block’s De Havilland Drive with the Coastal Walkway via a mostly sealed track.
Best bit: Perfect for riding to work in town from Bell Block or vice versa, if you work in Bell Block.
Watch out for: Google maps may tell you to go onto State Highway 3, but don’t do that – there's an underpass for bikes and foot traffic.
4 - Mangaotuku pathway
Another new cycle path, linking Spotswood, Marfell and Blagdon with the Coastal Walkway via Moturoa for access to the city. Starts at Botany Place off Belair Ave, with entry at Endeavor Street, Cook Street, Vancouver Place and Wiremu Place.
Best bit: Few people know about this pathway so you can usually enjoy some solitude, but always ride like there’s a pedestrian around the corner.
Watch out for: In several places you’ll need to go on-road. Take your time crossing Devon Street near Seaview Road.
5- Waiwhakaiho pathway
Perfect for residents of Merrilands to "quax" at Fitzroy or The Valley – a word accidentally coined by late Auckland councillor Dick Quax, who thought no one carries shopping on a bike or public transport. Useful quaxing accessories include pannier bags or a front or back basket.
Enter from Riversdale Drive in Merrilands, and many other points. Ends at Raiomiti Street but you can get to the Coastal Walkway via Record or Richmond Street.
Best bit: River, horses, views of the mounga… what's not to love?
Watch out for: If heading for The Valley, there’s a shared foot/cycle path across the Waiwhakaiho Bridge alongside State Highway 3.
Tips for off-road bike-riding
Keep your speed sensible – always expect pedestrians.
Get a bell and use it on blind corners.
Keep left.
Pop in to Cycle Inn on Devon Street grab one of their easy-to-follow maps of all cycleways in New Plymouth.
Want more safe bike-riding paths?
Join North Taranaki Cycling Advocates on Facebook, who “work together to increase the profile of cycling in local government decision-making” and are affiliated with New Zealand-wide Cycle Action Network.
