Cycling

Cycling in Whakatane

Discover the best of cycling in Whakatane, where scenic coastal paths, river trails, quiet country roads, and forest bike tracks offer a range of cycling experiences for all levels. Whether you’re planning a leisurely ride with family, exploring rugged mountain biking trails, or taking in stunning coastal views, Whakatane and the Eastern Bay of Plenty have cycling opportunities to suit every rider.

From easy flat rides along the Ōhope Beach promenade to more challenging routes through native bush and farmland, cycling in Whakatane provides healthy adventure, breathtaking scenery, and access to local attractions, cafes, and beaches. Whakatane is quickly becoming a favourite destination for cyclists seeking variety, nature, and outdoor fun.

Featured Cycling Listings

Full Cycle Bikes Whakatane

FULL CYCLE BIKES Formerly Bike Barn Whakatane

Full Cycle Bikes formerly Bike Barn. Our wide range can cover your whole family with new bikes!

Moanarua Beach Cottage, Whakatane, New Zealand

MOANARUA BEACH COTTAGE

Miria and Taroi of Moanarua Beach Cottage Ōhope offer a unique cultural experience in a romantic hideaway.

Non Olympic Cyclists Whakatane

NON OLYMPIC CYCLISTS WHAKATANE

Join the ultimate fusion of fitness, friendship, and caffeine kicks with our social cycling and coffee crew based right here in Whakatane!

Onepu Mountain Bike Park, Whakatane

ONEPU MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

The park is available free for the public to use for mountain biking and running or walking and has four main trails to choose from.

Whakatane Aquatic Centre

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate most sports and gatherings.

Takutai Adventures

TAKUTAI ADVENTURES

Whakanes’s local eScooter, eBike & Stand Up Paddle board experts. We offer hire, lessons and sales.

WHAKATANE BIKE CLUB

Looking for a way to get fit, meet great people, challenge yourself, and have a blast on two wheels? 

Whakatane Cycle Centre, Whakatane

WHAKATANE CYCLE CENTRE

In our Boon Street store you can view a wide range of bicycles, including leading brands Specialized, Scott and Avanti.

Cycling Listings

Burma Road Cycling Track Whakatane

BURMA ROAD CYCLING TRACK

The Burma Road cycle track is an easy to intermediate grade ride with some beautiful scenery and chance of spotting a kiwi!

Motu Trails Opotiki

MOTU TRAILS

The Motu Trails are located between Opotiki and Gisborne and are part of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail. There are several trails to choose from varying in difficulty and duration. The trails can be used year-round and are free. Ride, run, walk ... experience the freedom.

Opotiki Trails include the family friendly Dunes Trail, Otara Stopbank Trail, Taheke Road / Whakaumu Track, Otara East Road and Pakihi Track.

For Motu Trail Maps and information about Opotiki click here.

Ohope Harbourside Trail

OHOPE HARBOURSIDE TRAIL

The Ohope Harbourside Walking & Cycle Trail is the completion of a long-held dream of making the changing moods and estuarine beauty of the Ōhiwa Harbour more accessible to the community. 

The Trail is 2.9-kilometres of shared-use pathway that runs along the harbour edge, from Waterways Drive in the west to Port Ōhope Wharf. The Trail takes in views of the Ohiwa Harbour and the wildlife that call it home, there is also a playground along the way that has toilet facilities.

Warren Cole Cycle way & Walk way Whakatane

WARREN COLE CYCLEWAY & WALKWAY

The Whakatane River Walk along the Warren Cole Walkway/Cycleway is a gentle cycling cruise alongside the Whakatane River. Suitable for all ages, whether cycling or walking. One end is at the Whakatane River Bridge (end of Landing Road, almost under the bridge) and coming to an end at the Whakatane Heads at the end of Muriwai Drive (or vice versa).

Bike Whakatane

WHAKATANE BIKE PARK

The 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.

Bike Whakatane Trust has been established to support and promote all things biking in the Whakatane District. Our members have been behind the development of Whakatane Bike Park, Bikes In Schools projects and events that promote safe cycling. Keep up to date with current projects on our Facebook page.

WHIRINAKI TE PUA-A-TANE

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane is the preserve of the mighty podocarp, ancient trees that once dominated the land and date back to the time of the dinosaurs. These magnificent trees combine with rushing rivers, fantastic ferns and bountiful bird life to create a fabulous forest capable of stimulating and satisfying every sense.

Cycling Map

Types of Cycling Experiences

Leisure Cycling

Enjoy flat, family‑friendly routes along waterfront paths and boardwalks. These easy rides are perfect for beginner cyclists, families with kids, and visitors wanting relaxing scenic views.

Mountain Biking

Whakatane and surrounding areas offer a selection of **mountain biking trails** through native forest, rolling hills, and purpose‑built tracks. These trails range from beginner‑level to advanced, with varied terrain and stunning bush scenery.

Road Cycling

For road cyclists, Whakatane features quiet backroads and country routes with gentle hills and coastal views. Explore loops that take you past farmland, through rural communities, and alongside rivers and coastline.

Top Cycling Routes and Trails

Some popular cycling experiences in the Whakatane area include:

  • Whakatane River Trail – scenic riverside cycling
  • Ohope Beach Promenade – flat, family‑friendly coastal ride
  • Forest and mountain bike tracks in the eastern Bay of Plenty
  • Country road loops with views of farmland and coastline

Tips for Cycling in Whakatane

  • Check trail difficulty and surface conditions before heading out
  • Wear a helmet — it’s mandatory for all cyclists in New Zealand
  • Bring water, snacks, and a basic repair kit
  • Respect local wildlife and farm gates
  • Enjoy stops at cafes and picnic spots along the way

Explore More Activities in Whakatane

Cycling is just one way to enjoy the outdoors in Whakatane. You can also explore fishing charters, hiking trails, golf courses, water sports, and local attractions throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Combine activities for the ultimate active getaway.

There are a number of BMX Tracks and Bike Parks in Whakatane and the surrounding area. 

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