This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 96, no 7, August 2024
Hawke’s Bay cycling trails
4 June - 7 June 2024
After researching several long-term weather forecasts there was an indication of fair weather after King’s Birthday Weekend. So, a plan was established to complete the trails that were missed on our last Hawke’s Bay trip. A lunch stop at Norsewood was organized for the 14 keen cyclists sharing transport to Hawke’s Bay. After a short ride of 25 km via the historical Ormondville railway station, visits were made to the long-finned eels and the New Zealand Natural Clothing Shop (Norsewear).
On Wednesday we went on a 70 km ride to Red Bridge via each side of the Tukituki River. On the wetlands adjacent to the shoreline, a flock of spoonbills were either feeding or standing on one leg, oblivious of their audience. The coastal area contained several areas of major infrastructure repairs including road and rail bridges damaged last year by Cyclone Gabrielle.
The only mishap occurred approaching Red Bridge where a gear change cable broke. The rider, who is an AA member, was able to obtain a breakdown service. After a wait, a very large truck arrived to take the bike and owner to a repair shop in Napier. A quick and less than $9 repair allowed the bike to be ready for the next day’s adventures. The evening was enjoyed by all in the Taradale Club with good food and in a quiet ambience.
Our third day was spent exploring some of the iWays City routes and cycle trails to Taradale and included a chocolate replenishment at Silky Oak Chocolate Factory and shop. From there we took the recently refurbished trail up the true left bank of the Tutaekuri River to Puketapu Hotel for lunch. The Puketapu Domain was still being restored with the regrassing of previously flooded areas. Some of the group opted to eat a picnic lunch there.
On our final day, a shorter route was taken around Bluff Hill, visiting the Sunken Gardens, the Marine Parade Pier and Napier Centennial Gardens, and then proceeding along to Westshore to explore the wetlands adjacent to the airport. The trip ended at the Soho Café for lunch before returning to Kennedy Park to pack up our bikes ready for the drive home. The riding covered a total of 178 km over some of the best cycleways in New Zealand.
For anyone contemplating cycling in the Hawke’s Bay area, the trails are advertised as being over 90% restored, the main outages being the upper true right of the Tutaekuri river trail, the bridge at Puketapu, and the Brookfields Bridge awaiting a decision on replacement. At present Kennedy Park accommodation is reasonably priced, particularly on weekday nights, possibly due to the winter season.
- Party members
- Robyn and Frank Usmar (leaders and scribe), Christine Ben-Tovin, Kwai Chan, Doreen Courtenay, Michele Dickson, Julia Fraser, Vera de Graauw, Paul Haines, Kathryn Kelly, Christine Leighs, Helen Lukes, Geoff Marshall and Jeanette Martin.