CYCLING

There are a number of BMX Tracks and Bike Parks in Whakatane and the surrounding area. Click here to view details. 

Bike tracks are located at Warren Park (Eivers Road, Whakatane), Eve Rimmer Park in Whakatane, Onepu Bike Park, Rawhiti Mountain Bike Park and Civic Park in Murupara. These cycle tracks provide another exciting recreational outlet for young people.

Onepu Mountain Bike Park is available free for the public to use for mountain biking and running or walking and has four main trails to choose from. The trails have gentle rolling terrain which will suit any type of rider, from beginners to advanced with BMX style jumps as well. While you are there check out the Onepu Wetlands boardwalk.  For more information including maps click here.

Whakatane Bike Park offers a multi-use biking facility at Warren Park on Eivers Road. A great place for free style BMX, pump skills track, mountain biking and an exercise circuit. For more information click here.

 

Whakatane's best cycling routes - 

Exploring Whakatāne and Ōhope by bike? Here are Whakatāne’s best cycling routes for riders of all ages and levels.

The Rotary Bike Park at Warren Park

This track has a Pump-track, Jumps Line, and 1km perimeter track.
 

Warren Cole Riverside Trail

Grade: Easy

Distance: 4.3 km

Access: Landing Road Whakatāne Bridge to The Heads, Whakatāne

 

Urban Nature Trail

Grade: Easy

Distance: 6 km loop

Access: Head upstream from the Whakatāne Bridge, join Awatapu lagoon pathway, follow Wainui Te Whara Stream and head back along King Street to the River. 

 

Ohope Harbourside Trail

Grade: Easy

Distance: 2.9 km purpose-build pathway

Access: Waterway Drive to Port Ōhope Wharf, Port Ōhope

 

Whakatāne to Ōhope Shared Pathway

Grade: Easy 

Distance: 5 km

Access: Shared pathway from Rex Morpeth Park follow Gorge Road and Ohope Road to Mahy Reserve, Ōhope

 

Burma Road Trail

Grade: Easy to intermediate

Distance: 10-15 km

Conditions: Partly hilly, partly flat, paved gravel. Mountain bike recommended.

Access: From Maraetōtara Road in Ōhope, or from Ohope Road

 

Family-Friendly Cycle Tracks

The Rotary Bike Park at Warren Park.

The following schools also have child-friendly tracks and are all open to community use:

Ōhope Beach School, Apanui, Allandale and James Street  Schools (all in Whakatāne township)

 

Exploring further afield? Check out these awesome trails in the Eastern Bay.

Onepū Mountain Bike Park

Motu Trails Cycleway

Ōpōtiki Dunes Trail

Road Cycling Routes

Whakatāne offers excellent road cycling with routes ranging from flat coastal rides to challenging hill climbs. Quiet rural roads provide scenic cycling through farmland and coastal areas with minimal traffic. The flat Whakatāne Plains suit leisurely riding or training rides. More challenging routes include hill climbs testing fitness and endurance. Coastal roads offer spectacular ocean views with refreshing sea breezes. Loop routes provide various distance options from short rides to extended adventures. Road surfaces are generally good quality, though some rural roads may have rougher sections. Local cycling knowledge helps identify the best routes for different abilities and preferences. Safety considerations include sharing roads with vehicles on some routes. Whether you're training cyclist seeking quality kilometres, touring cyclist exploring the region, or recreational rider enjoying scenic routes, Whakatāne's road cycling provides diverse options through beautiful landscapes with routes accommodating various fitness levels and distance preferences.

Mountain Bike Trails

Mountain biking trails around Whakatāne cater to various skill levels from beginners to experienced riders. Trail networks wind through native bush offering flowing single-track and technical sections. Some trails feature purpose-built elements including berms, jumps, and rock gardens. Trail grades range from easy family-friendly paths to advanced technical descents. The surrounding hills provide natural terrain for exciting downhill riding. Trail maintenance ensures consistent riding conditions. Some trails offer coastal views whilst others provide shaded forest riding. Signage indicates trail difficulty and direction. Local bike shops provide trail information and current conditions. Whether you're beginner learning mountain biking, intermediate rider developing skills, or advanced cyclist seeking technical challenges, Whakatāne's mountain bike trails offer diverse riding experiences through varied terrain with trails suited to different abilities in beautiful natural settings combining enjoyment with physical challenge.

Bike Shops and Services

Local bike shops provide sales, servicing, and expert advice for all cycling needs. Whakatāne's cycling retailers stock bikes ranging from children's models to high-performance road and mountain bikes. Shops carry accessories including helmets, clothing, lights, and maintenance equipment. Expert staff provide guidance on bike selection matching intended use and budget. Professional servicing keeps bikes operating safely and efficiently. Services include basic tune-ups, brake adjustments, wheel truing, and complete overhauls. Some shops offer custom bike builds. Parts supply ensures availability of replacement components. Knowledgeable staff understand local cycling conditions and can recommend appropriate routes. Whether you're purchasing new bikes, maintaining existing equipment, or seeking advice on local cycling, bike shops provide professional service, quality products, and expert knowledge supporting cycling activities throughout the region.

Cycle Hire

Bike hire services provide access to quality bicycles without ownership commitments. Whakatāne's hire operators offer various bike types including road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and children's bikes. Hire periods range from hourly to multi-day rentals accommodating different needs. All necessary equipment including helmets is typically provided. Staff offer route suggestions and local cycling information. Hire bikes are maintained to ensure reliable performance. Some operators provide delivery services. Touring cyclists can hire bikes for exploring the region. Families visiting can hire multiple bikes for recreational riding. Whether you're visitor wanting to explore Whakatāne by bike, trialling bike types before purchasing, or needing temporary transport, hire services provide quality bicycles with appropriate equipment supporting cycling activities without requiring personal bike ownership or transportation of bikes to the region.

Cycling Groups and Clubs

Local cycling clubs organise group rides, training sessions, and social cycling activities. Whakatāne's cycling groups cater to different riding styles and abilities. Road cycling clubs offer bunch rides with various pace groups. Mountain biking groups explore local trails together. Social rides emphasise enjoyment over competition. Group riding provides safety through numbers, social connection, and route knowledge. Clubs often organise events, races, or charity rides. Experienced riders mentor newcomers, sharing skills and local knowledge. Regular ride schedules accommodate different availabilities. The supportive nature of cycling communities welcomes riders of all abilities. Whether you're seeking training partners, wanting social riding experiences, or needing guidance from experienced local cyclists, cycling groups provide supportive communities sharing passion for cycling with organised rides accommodating various abilities and interests.

Family Cycling Paths

Family-friendly cycling paths provide safe, accessible routes for recreational riding. Whakatāne features shared paths and quiet streets suitable for children and less confident cyclists. Flat, sealed paths make cycling easy for all ages. Coastal paths offer scenic riding with ocean views. Some routes connect parks and playgrounds creating interesting destinations. Path widths accommodate family groups riding together. Minimal interaction with motor vehicles ensures safety. These paths suit teaching children to ride or gentle family outings. Distances are manageable for young riders with opportunities for breaks. Whether you're introducing children to cycling, seeking safe recreational riding, or wanting relaxed family activities, dedicated cycling paths provide appropriate infrastructure supporting family cycling through protected routes in pleasant surroundings with manageable distances and safe environments.

Bike Maintenance Workshops

Some organisations offer bike maintenance workshops teaching basic repair and maintenance skills. These sessions cover essential skills including puncture repairs, brake adjustments, gear tuning, and chain maintenance. Learning basic maintenance builds confidence and self-sufficiency. Workshops provide hands-on experience with guidance from experienced mechanics. Participants often work on their own bikes, applying skills directly to personal equipment. Understanding basic maintenance helps cyclists identify issues early and perform roadside repairs. Some workshops are free community services whilst others charge nominal fees. Whether you're new cyclist wanting to learn basic maintenance, experienced rider wanting to advance skills, or simply seeking to become more self-sufficient, maintenance workshops provide practical knowledge supporting independent cycling and reducing reliance on professional servicing for basic maintenance tasks.

Cycling Events

Cycling events throughout the year provide organised riding opportunities and community celebrations. Whakatāne hosts charity rides, competitive races, and recreational cycling events. These gatherings bring cycling communities together whilst showcasing local routes. Some events are competitive whilst others emphasise participation and enjoyment. Charity rides raise funds for worthy causes whilst providing structured riding experiences. Races cater to various categories and abilities. Family events encourage cycling participation across all ages. Events often include support services, refreshments, and entertainment. Whether you're competitive cyclist seeking racing opportunities, recreational rider wanting organised group experiences, or supporting charitable causes through cycling, local events provide diverse opportunities for participation in cycling activities with various formats accommodating different interests, abilities, and motivations within supportive, festive atmospheres celebrating cycling.

Cycle Touring Routes

Longer distance routes suit cycle touring and multi-day riding adventures. Whakatāne's location provides access to regional cycle trails and touring routes. The Motu Road offers iconic wilderness cycling through remote bush. Coastal routes provide spectacular ocean scenery. Quiet rural roads link towns and attractions. Cycle touring allows exploring the region at leisurely pace with overnight stops. Accommodation options along routes cater to touring cyclists. Panniers or bike packing equipment carry supplies for extended rides. Route planning considers distances, terrain, and facilities. Whether you're experienced cycle tourer planning multi-day adventures, or cyclist wanting to explore beyond day rides, touring routes provide opportunities for extended cycling journeys through diverse landscapes with appropriate infrastructure supporting overnight cycling adventures in beautiful, relatively low-traffic environments.

E-Bike Options

Electric bikes expand cycling accessibility and range. Whakatāne's bike shops stock e-bikes suitable for various purposes from commuting to recreational riding. Electric assistance makes cycling accessible for those with fitness limitations or wanting to tackle longer distances and hills. E-bikes suit older riders maintaining active lifestyles. Commuters appreciate arriving at destinations without excessive exertion. The assist levels are adjustable, allowing riders to control exercise intensity. E-bike hire provides opportunities to experience electric cycling before purchasing. Range and battery management considerations differ from traditional bikes. Whether you're considering e-bikes for accessibility, extended range, or reduced physical demands, electric bicycles provide viable options expanding cycling possibilities with motor assistance supporting pedalling efforts making cycling accessible to broader demographics and enabling longer, more ambitious rides.