Cycle Trails Western Bay

SCENIC OPTIONS FOR EVERY RIDER

With trails to suit every age and ability, we invite you to explore the
special places that reflect our heritage and environment at your own pace.

Try the Ōmokoroa to Wairoa River trail for unbeatable harbour views and bird spotting, or the popular Bowentown to Waihī Beach trail where you can easily stop for a coffee or ice cream along the way.
Enjoy a bit of haiku inspiration in Katikati or take one of the
village’s nearby riverside or shoreline trails.
In Te Puke, you can travel under and over bridges and past the town’s old cemetery
as you traverse nearby rural paddocks.
More serious riders can accept the ultimate challenge - a 51km trail from Papamoa, through Paengaroa,
and onto Okere Falls near Lake Rotoiti.
The award-winning TECT Park also offers a challenging 10km mountain bike ride through remote forest tracks.
Need a bike? Learn about bike rentals here.

LET'S PUMP THOSE PEDALS

Planning a ride in the Western Bay? Click the map below to find your way.

WAIHĪ BEACH TO BOWENTOWN KATIKATI VILLAGE TRAILS ŌMOKOROA TO WAIROA RIVER PAPAMOA TO PAENGAROA KAIKŌKOPU - PAENGAROA TO OKERE FALLS TE ARA KAHIKATEA PATHWAY - TE PUKE WAITEKOHEKOHE RECREATIONAL PARK

Athenree estuary pathway on Trig to Anzac Bay cycleway Tourism Bay of Plenty

WAIHĪ BEACH TO BOWENTOWN

Get the best of both worlds with this popular coastal trail, which travels the length of Waihī Beach and Bowentown, with optional sidetracks that include the Athenree Estuary.

There are plenty of places you can stop along the way, such as reserves, playgrounds, cafés, shops and swimming spots.

Most of the trail is flat, but the view from the top of the eastern most point, above Cave Bay, is ample reward for the extra effort it takes to cycle there.

Flat, grade 1
9km one way; optional side trails or loops
Mixture of sealed, gravel and boardwalk
Start or finish at Waihī Beach Surf Lifesaving Club or Anzac Bay, Bowentown
Other entry/exit options from any road near the trail
A 10-minute drive east from Waihī, exit off State Highway 2
Easy access to coastal and harbour foreshores, which include wetlands and sand dunes, along the route
This is a shared walkway and cycleway, and can get very busy at times; includes roadside sections and road crossings
Multiple toilet facilities along the way; drinking water is available at many of the beachside reserves
Minimal signage

KATIKATI VILLAGE TRAILS

Choose your distance and direction – whichever Katikati trail you opt for, you’ll get the chance to spot the art, birdlife and watersides this historic village is known for.

With each option located just a short distance from the main street, it will be easy to grab something to eat or drink before or after your ride.

5-25m elevation, grade 1
Less than 5km (return)
Mixture of concrete and sealed
Start and finish at Haiku Park, on the western side of Katikati’s main street
Can also be accessed from any nearby road
Follows the river stopbank, before travelling through a pleasant residential area; includes an art installation near the 45m suspension bridge over the Uretara Stream; look out for river birds and boulders engraved with thought provoking haiku poems
Includes road crossings at Mural Drive and Highfields Drive
Toilets, carpark and drinking water all available at Haiku Park
No signage

1-10m elevation, grade 1
Approximately 5.8km (return) depending on which track options are taken
Start and finish at the Uretara Stream boat ramp, Noble Johnston Drive
Can be joined from any nearby road
Start/finish point is 50m from State Highway 2, which runs through Katikati’s main street, turn-off is near the Talisman Hotel and Restaurant
A family friendly trail which includes river wetlands, harbour views and art installations, along with description boards of the area’s bird life
Includes some roadside sections and road crossings
Toilets are located off Katikati’s main street, at Diggelmann Park; no drinking water available en route; limited car parking at the start and finish point, but there’s more available in nearby side roads
Map board in the seating area at the start

1-15m elevation, grade 1
Approximately 11km (loop)
Mixture of urban and rural roads, concrete pathways, grass reserves, gravel, orchard tractor tracks, and short bush trail
Start and finish at the Uretara Stream boat ramp, Noble Johnston Drive
Can be joined from any nearby road
Start/finish point is 50m from State Highway 2, which runs through Katikati’s main street, turn-off is near the Talisman Hotel and Restaurant
Features bird life, harbour views, wetlands and working orchards
Includes long sections along rural and urban roads; rural areas include vehicles travelling at high speeds
Toilets are located off Katikati’s main street, at Diggelmann Park, and at the harbour end of Beach Road; no drinking water available en route; limited car parking at the start and finish point, but there’s more available in nearby side roads
Signage when the trail leaves a road

Cycle trail Ongarahu Pa Omokoroa to Wairoa River Tourism Bay of Plenty

ŌMOKOROA TO WAIROA RIVER

Explore the growing seaside town of Ōmokoroa, along with Te Puna estuary, the Plummers Point peninsula and Wairoa River.

Historic Ongarahu Pā, at the northern end of Plummers Point, is one of the most well-preserved defensive fortifications in New Zealand. It’s worth checking beforehand which cafés you might want to detour to and stop at along the way - The Cider Factorie is also nearby.

A new track has been developed along the highway, on the Tauranga side of the Wairoa River, which will enable cyclists to connect to the Bethlehem Reserves trails. Learn more about this section here.

You can explore this ride and learn about local Māori stories and history with Te Ara Tourism

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Some short inclines/declines, 50m elevation, grade 1
18km (one way)
Mixture of gravel, boardwalk and road
Start or finish at Ōmokoroa Boat Club or Wairoa River Reserve
Other entry/exit options at Lynley Park Drive, Lakeside Terrace, Huharua Park, Jess Road and Newnham Road
Ōmokoroa Boat Club is 23km from the Tauranga CBD; Wairoa River Reserve is 10km from the Tauranga CBD
This is a popular recreation recreational ride due to its undulating scenery and proximity to the harbour and Wairoa River
Includes some roadside sections and road crossings
Toilets located at Ōmokoroa Domain, Huharua Park (at the end of Plummers Point Road), and Wairoa River Reserve; drinking water is available at Huharua Park; carparking available at the start and finish, and also at other entry and exit roads
Signage in place

PAPAMOA TO PAENGAROA

This trail offers a safe cycling route alongside the Tauranga Eastern Link highway, with scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Nearby banks have been extensively planted with native species and the Kaituna River bridge features a stunning set of pouwhenua.

15m elevation, grade 1
20km (one way)ea
Mixture of sealed and gravel
Start or finish end of Te Okuroa Road, Papamoa; or next to Comvita, Wilson Road South, Paengaroa
Te Okuroa Drive, Papamoa, is 12km north-east from Te Puke; Paengaroa is 11km south of Te Puke - turn east off SH33 at Paengaroa
An increasingly popular trail for recreational and serious cyclists alike; the small village of Paengaroa offers several food and beverage options
Most of this trail is safely sectioned off from the nearby highway, but riders will travel along the side of the Te Puke Highway near Paengaroa
Toilets are available at Paengaroa Domain, 222 State Highway 33; carparking is available at both start/finish points; no drinking water available
Signage in place

Caroline Boyle Paengaroa to Rotoiti paddocks 2

KAIKŌKOPU – PAENGAROA TO OKERE FALLS

Designed for fitter and more adventurous cyclists who will enjoy the challenge of tackling undulating terrain through beautiful native bush, kiwifruit orchards and farmland.

This trail includes stunning views of the Bay of Plenty coast and offshore islands, as well as the lakes area north of Okere Falls, and features popular cafés at the start and finish.

Visit Western Bay of Plenty District Council's website for more information

30m to 330m elevation, grade 3
31km (one way)
Mixture of sealed, gravel and forest path
Start near Comvita, Wilson Road South, Paengaroa if you want to ride uphill, or Okere Falls Store, near Lake Rotoiti, if you’d prefer a more downhill ride; finish at the opposite end to where you started

Other entry/exit option is at Royden Downs Reserve, Paengaroa (Ridge Road end)
Paengaroa is 11km south-east of Te Puke and 47km north of Rotorua – turn east off SH33 at Paengaroa; Okere Falls is 21km north of Rotorua, next to SH33
Keep an ear out for the birdlife at Royden Downs Reserve and your eyes open for trout at Okere Falls; you may also spot slalom canoeists or rafters travelling down the picturesque Kaituna River
Toilets are available at Paengaroa Domain, 222 StateHighway 33, and also the Okere Falls Store; no drinking water is available en route; carparking is available at the start and finish and also at Roydon Downs Reserve
Signage in place

19 2023 Cycle Trails booklet image Te Puke 3

TE ARA KAHIKATEA PATHWAY – TE PUKE

Pedal through wetlands and alongside the Waiari Stream on the eastern outskirts of this bustling rural town.

Starting just one street back from the main road, the pathway crosses over Jubilee Park and runs along Stock Road and King Street, before looping around through rural paddocks.

Originally created by passionate volunteers, you’ll enjoy several points of interest as you cycle over and under bridges and past the town’s cemetery, which dates back to 1886.

Grade 1
4km (return)
Mixture of grass, gravel and shared boardwalk
Start and finish at Hera Memorial, near the Commerce Lane carpark, or at Landscape Road
Other entry/exit options are at Stock Road or King Street
A 14-minute drive from Papamoa, exit the roundabout in the centre of Te Puke’s main street onto Jocelyn Street and then turn onto Commerce Lane
A relaxed trail that makes the best of its natural rural and waterway attributes; look out for Tinkerbell’s Garden
Includes some roadside sections and road crossings
Toilets and carparks are located at the Commerce Lane start and finish point, or at Landscape Road; no drinking water available
Signage at the Hera Memorial near Commerce Lane, at the junction where the trail loop starts and ends, and at the entrance to Old Te Puke Cemetery on Landscape Road

TECT PARK

TECT Park offers 1650 hectares of action-packed options and recently earned the 2022 Active Park of the Year title and the 2022 International People’s Choice Green Flag Award.

There are three mountain bike trails – the challenging Buffalo Girl Track and two shorter tracks to suit less experienced riders.

Bring a picnic to this remote, tree-covered park and check out some of the other activities while you’re here.

Please note: Buffalo Girl Track is currently closed due to tree harvesting.

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INTERMEDIATE A. Buffalo Girl Track 10km (loop)
EASY B. Kererū Track 3km (loop) - grade 1
EASY C. Uno Track 1.8km (loop) - grade 1
Dirt mountain bike track
Start and finish: once you enter the park, follow the signs to the mountain bike area
TECT Park is situated approximately halfway between Tauranga and Rotorua, off SH 36 (29km from Tauranga and 30km from Rotorua); the park’s eastern entry is signposted on the highway
This park hosts a lot of clubs so you may spot activities like paintball, clay target shooting, off-road driving, and model aircraft; there are some lovely walking tracks, an off-leash dog exercise area, and you can pay to take on the high-wire challenges at Adrenalin Forest
Check the park website (tectpark.co.nz) or Facebook page for possible track closures prior to your arrival; respect the rights of other track users (e.g walkers, runners and horse riders); the Buffalo Girl Track has three shallow stream crossings and can be quite slippery
Toilets are located in the mountain bike area and near the main entrance to the park
Tracks are well marked

B. Kererū Track - grade 1
3km (loop)
Dirt mountain bike track

C. Uno Track - grade 1
1.8km (loop)
Dirt mountain bike track
Start and finish: once you enter the park, follow the signs to the mountain bike area

16 2023 Cycle Trails booklet image Waitekohekohe trail copy 2

WAITEKOHEKOHE RECREATIONAL PARK

There’s plenty on offer for mountain bikers at Waitekohekohe Recreational Park on Thompsons Track, 15 minutes south of Katikati.

The Mountain Bike Trail Carpark is situated at 360 Thompsons Track, Katikati.

Starting with a beginner loop, grade 1, this track weaves its way through the small pines.

From there head to the grade 2, 3 and 4 trails which are all downhill tracks. Riders need to either make use of the forestry tracks to head back to the top of the trails or weave your way via the grade 3 uphill track.

Riding all trails will take you about an hour. There are plans underway to construct additional grade four tracks through the native bush area.

There is no access to the Mountain Bike Trails from the equestrian area. Please head to 360 Thompsons Track for access.

The trails in this area have been built by Rob Metz, the founder of Zerode. Rob has many years of experienced mountain biking and has constructed trails that are a pure pleasure to ride.

Start and finish at 360 Thompsons Track, Katikati (you will pass the Waitekohekohe Recreational Park’s equestrian car park first, the mountain biking carpark is further along the road)
Thompsons Track is a rural road that connects to State Highway 2. The park is a 40-minute drive from the Tauranga CBD or a 13-minute drive from the centre of Katikati
This park offers a remote, scenic ride along a series of off-road trails, meandering through a pine forest plantation
If you’re riding the Easy mountain bike trail, be mindful that walkers are permitted on the trail and they may be accompanied by unleashed dogs.
Make sure you follow the correct trail markers and watch out for the signs warning of trail intersections.
Several equestrian trails are located to the east of the park and mountain bikers are not permitted on these trails.
A toilet is located to the left of the mountain biking car park. A second toilet is located at the equestrian trail car park at 252 Thompsons Track
Well signposted on the roadside and along each trail, but we’d advise you to take a photo of the trail map beforehand, either from this web page or the sign at the start of the trail, in case you need to refer to it while you’re on the trail