2. The Water Ride
This trail is flat and easy to ride, making it ideal for families but, at 68km, it is a full-day excursion.
The trail loops from Napier i-Site to Ahuriri, to Westshore to Bay View to Napier Airport to Ahuriri Estuary to Church Road, Pettigrew Green Arena, Puketapu and Awatoto, before heading back to Napier i-Site.
Napier's Bay View and Westshore are great places to start riding, continuing on to the seaside village of Ahuriri with its bustling cafes, shops and bars before cycling along picturesque Marine Parade with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Riders can extend their trip to include the Taradale loop, to incorporate the renowned Church Road and Mission Estate wineries.
Alternatively, head to the Ahuriri Estuary, a sanctuary for endangered wetland wildlife, or to the quaint Puketapu settlement with its hotel, restaurant, general store and church.
It is advised to bring plenty of water and food, although there are places to stop along the way.
3. The Wineries Ride
This 36km-to-47km route loops through Hawke's Bay's western wine growing area.
Riders can start anywhere, with the relaxed Wineries Ride covering the wine-growing areas of Bridge Pa, Gimblett Gravels and the Ngatarawa Triangle. The terrain is flat and dotted with numerous award-winning wineries that allow riders to stop and grab a bite to eat or a wine tasting. The route passes through historic tree-lined Oak Ave in Hastings and along the banks of the Ngaruroro River.
It is advised to bring plenty of water and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.
4. Havelock North CBD to Black Bridge
This 11.4km bike ride one way is ideal for the whole family.
Winding its way past vineyards, orchards, and the Tukituki River, the cycle way is perfect for a hot summer's day.
The track passes Bivvy Cafe, which is ideally situated amongst the vines, about 600m south of the Black Bridge on the pathway. The cafe is open on weekends and public holidays between October and April. Snacks and cold drinks are served, as well as Hawthorne coffee.
Riders can have a well-earned rest and use the toilet provided. Eftpos is not accepted. See more at: http://www.bivvywines.co.nz/pages/bivvy-cafe
5. Black Bridge to Clifton
This return trip is 14km, suitable for the whole family.
This is an easy route, a mixture of on-road and off-road limestone trail.
Start at Black Bridge, head to the ocean along the river bank.
Ride through Haumoana and Te Awanga to Clifton, enjoying the scenery, visiting local galleries, stopping for coffee or a meal, checking out the local wines.
Participants can travel up East Rd to visit the zoo, museum, garden artist and the alpacas.
For a longer ride, people can head along Tukituki Road to Moore Road, which connects to the cycle path back to Black Bridge.
Or head across the bridge toward Clive.
Part of the coastal section of the Landscapes ride, participants can access Napier, Clive, Havelock North and Hastings from this trail via various routes.
See more at: http://www.kidnappersescape.co.nz/pages/map.html
6. Havelock North CBD
to Hastings CBD
This is one of the shorter trips, at just 4.3km one way, making it a perfect morning or afternoon trip for the whole family.
Riders can enjoy beverages and food in either Havelock North CBD or Hastings CBD.
7. Port of Napier to Awatoto
This route is 10.3km one way, passing along Marine Parade.
Riders can stop off at Lick this Ice Cream Parlour for a sweet treat, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Ocean Spa and Par2 MiniGolf.
8 Waipukurau to Waipawa
The Central Hawke's Bay Rotary River Pathway is Hawke's Bay's newest cycle trail, having opened in November of this year.
The pathway is 14km one way, running down both sides of the Tukituki river.
It is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. People are advised to bring plenty of water.
For more information on the cycle routes listed above, visit:
http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/index.php/your-event/group-activities/hawkes-bay-trails
http://www.hbrc.govt.nz/Hawkes-Bay/Recreation/Pages/HBTrails.aspx
