Best place in New Plymouth and Taranaki for a family cycle ride?

Posted on 6 December 2020

Taranaki has so much to offer for a great family cycle ride.

When it comes to good old-fashioned family fun, it’s hard to beat biking. As well as fresh air, exercise and exhilaration, it’s also a chance to learn about the world – animal, mineral, vegetable and much more besides.

The website www.taranakitrails.nz shows all the walkways and cycleways that may suit families.

Just go to the “Find my adventure” page, and you can filter the trails by type of activity (walking, cycling, mountain bike riding), grading (easy, medium, hard), distance and if it’s a loop.

Looking for inspiration? Here’s a selection to get you started.

• New Plymouth Coastal Walkway: The award-winning Coastal Walkway is an expansive sea-edge promenade stretching the length of New Plymouth. Ideal for walking, running, cycling, skating or simply enjoying the view of the dramatic west coast, the walkway is great for all ages and abilities.
• Opunake Trail Loop: The Opunake Walkway is the longest of the formal South Taranaki walks and takes you through beautiful lake and beach scenery. It travels around Opunake Lake and across the cliffs, providing views of Te Namu Pa, Mt Taranaki and the rugged coastline.
• Te Henui walkway, New Plymouth: Winding up from the coast, the Te Henui walkway showcases a variety of native and exotic flora. There are several access points, picnic areas, swimming holes, a bowling club and many hungry ducks
• Denby Road Loop, Hawera: A 1 – 1.5 hour walkway loop with a number of options for starting points provides an opportunity for walkers, runners, cyclists and mobility scooter users to get out and into the fresh air to enjoy farmland, mountain and ocean views