Last updated October 2026
The Hawke’s Bay Trails are a network of nearly 200 km of mostly flat, off-road cycle trails linking Hastings, Havelock North, Clive and Napier, and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council calls it the largest network of easy cycle trails in New Zealand. It is one of Ngā Haerenga’s Great Rides, graded mostly 1 to 2 by the regional council (NZ Cycle Trail says 1 to 3), and it is open all year.
The trails are grouped into three themed rides: the Water Ride along the coast, estuary and rivers, the Wineries Ride through vineyards and cellar doors, and the Landscapes Ride with views of Te Mata Peak and Cape Kidnappers. Most trails are lime sand.
Practical Information
- Start
- Starting points named by HB Trails include Havelock North village, Clive, Roy’s Hill Reserve, the Napier i-SITE and Ahuriri
- Length
- Nearly 200 km of trails
- Grade
- Grade 1 to 2 (easy) on most trails; NZ Cycle Trail gives 1 to 3, and the Tuki Tuki River Ride is grade 3
- Surface
- Mostly lime sand, with some concrete and short on-road sections
- Bikes allowed / E-bikes
- Suited to pathway bikes, touring bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes
- Season
- Open year round
- Facilities
- Toilets at cafés, wineries and public spots along the trails; mobile coverage on all trails
- Getting around
- Bikes can go on buses between Hastings and Napier; some trails link to the Napier and Hastings iWay routes
- Status
- Check Hawke’s Bay Trails’ alerts page for current closures before you ride
About the Hawke’s Bay Trails
What sets this network apart is how easy it is. The trails are flat and mostly off-road, and the regional council says the only place to expect a few hills is on the Tukituki Loop.
NZ Cycle Trail describes the Water Ride as flat and easy and suited to families, and the regional council says the network suits pathway riding and cycle touring.
The network ties the region together. Trails run from Havelock North village to Clive, along the Cape Coast through Haumoana and Te Awanga to Clifton, along Marine Parade from Ahuriri to Clive, around the wetlands and estuary at Ahuriri, and out through the wine country behind Hastings, past Bridge Pa village.
Most trails are surfaced with lime sand. NZ Cycle Trail warns that it can be jarring on a road racing bike, and recommends cruisers, pathway bikes or entry-level mountain bikes instead. HB Trails lists bike hire in Napier, Havelock North and Haumoana and on the Wineries Ride.
You will rarely be far from a stop. NZ Cycle Trail notes toilets at cafés, wineries and public spots along the trail, mobile coverage across the network and supplies along the way, though it still suggests carrying drinking water.
The Three Rides
The Water Ride
The coast, estuary and river trails around Napier. HB Trails lists the Wetlands loop from Ahuriri (35 km, grade 1 to 2), the Napier Loop from the Napier i-SITE (38 km, grade 1 to 3), the Puketapu Loop (17 km, grade 1 to 2) and the Marine Parade Explorer (15 km one way, grade 1), the busiest urban section, which runs from Ahuriri to Clive.
The Wineries Ride
A grade 1 ride of 30 km from Roy’s Hill Reserve or 60 km from Clive, mainly on lime sand with short on-road sections, through the vineyards and cellar doors of the wine country behind Hastings.
HB Trails notes that cellar door hours vary with the season, some close early in the week, and groups should book cellar doors and restaurants ahead.
The Landscapes Ride
The ride for views of Cape Kidnappers and Te Mata Peak. It includes Cape Coast from Clive to Clifton (15 km, grade 1 to 2) through Haumoana and Te Awanga, Havelock North to Clive (18.5 km one way, grade 1), and the Tuki Tuki River Ride (about 58 km return from Havelock North, grade 3), the hardest route on the network, with hills, road crossings and on-road sections; HB Trails suggests riding it anti-clockwise to avoid the road crossing at Red Bridge. NZ Cycle Trail recommends some fitness and road riding experience for the Tukituki and Waimārama Road sections.
Wet Weather and High Tides
Some sections get wet: the Onehunga Road to airport section can be wet after heavy rain, and the Ahuriri Lagoon underpasses can flood at high tide. Check the HB Trails alerts page before you set out.
Where to Learn More
Hawke’s Bay Trails: Ride our trails: every ride’s distance, grade, start and facilities, plus trail alerts.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council: Hawke’s Bay Trails: the network overview, bus information and the regional cycle plan.
Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trail: Hawke’s Bay Trails: Great Ride status and trip planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the Hawke’s Bay Trails?
Nearly 200 km of trails across the Heretaunga Plains, split into three themed rides.
How hard are they?
Most trails are grade 1 to 2 and flat. The Tuki Tuki River Ride is grade 3, with hills and on-road sections.
What kind of bike is best?
Cruisers, pathway bikes or entry-level mountain bikes. The lime sand surface can be jarring on a road racing bike.
Can I ride an e-bike?
Yes, the regional council says the trails suit electric bikes.
Can I take my bike on the bus?
Yes, bikes can go on buses between Hastings and Napier.
Where can I start?
Starting points named by HB Trails include Havelock North village, Clive, Roy’s Hill Reserve, Ahuriri and the Napier i-SITE.
Are there toilets on the trails?
Yes, at cafés, wineries and public spots along the way.
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