Bay of Plenty Cycle Trails: Explore by Location

Kia ora, fellow riders! Tourism Bay of Plenty’s 2025 cycle‑trails booklet has inspired us to showcase some of the region’s best rides. From relaxed coastal cruises to forest single‑track, there’s a perfect path for everyone. Below you’ll find each area highlighted with its own heading and a photo taken directly from the official booklet to give you a taste of what’s waiting out there.

Visit their website directly to see the new trails and downloadable pamphlet HERE

Waihī Beach to Bowentown

This 9‑km coastal trail runs the length of Waihī Beach and Bowentown, with optional side loops to places like the Athenree Estuary. It’s mostly flat and mixes sealed path, gravel and boardwalk. You’ll find playgrounds, cafés, shops and swimming spots along the way, and the view from the eastern point above Cave Bay rewards the short climb. Start from the Waihī Beach Surf Lifesaving Club or Anzac Bay and ride as far as you like.

Katikati & Historic Tauranga

Katikati offers a charming riverside trail decorated with haiku, plus shoreline loops and nearby reserves. For history lovers, the Historic Tauranga trail takes you past landmarks connected to Māori and British settlers. It’s a unique way to combine cycling with learning about the region’s past.

Wetland Trails

The Bay of Plenty is blessed with ecologically significant wetlands. Choose the Bethlehem reserves at one end of Tauranga, explore the Pāpāmoa waterways near the beach, or ride through the Matua Saltmarsh, Kōpūrererua Valley and Waikareao Estuary. These routes are mostly flat, making them perfect for families or those seeking a quiet spin among birds and native plants.

Te Ara Kahikatea, Te Puke

The short Te Ara Kahikatea path winds under bridges and over boardwalks, passing Te Puke’s old cemetery and rural paddocks. It’s an easy, scenic loop that offers a glimpse into local history and farmland life.

Waitekohekohe Park & TECT Park (Mountain Biking)

For riders craving more adrenaline, Waitekohekohe Recreational Park near Katikati has dedicated mountain‑bike tracks of varying difficulty. Further south, TECT Park boasts an award‑winning 10‑km ride through remote forest, with shorter options for less experienced riders. Both parks offer a safe, natural setting to practise your skills.

Pāpāmoa to Paengaroa & Paengaroa to Ōkere Falls

Need a longer ride? The Pāpāmoa‑to‑Paengaroa cycleway runs parallel to the Tauranga Eastern Link highway and is relatively flat. Continue from Paengaroa to Ōkere Falls to experience a more remote, off‑grid trail. Cafés at both ends make for a tasty refuel.

Plan Your Bay Cycle Adventure

Whether you’re seeking sea breezes, wetland wildlife or forest thrills, the Bay of Plenty has a trail for you. Grab Tourism Bay of Plenty’s cycle‑trails booklet for maps and detailed information, pack your helmet and snacks, and set off to discover these special places at your own pace.

 

Go here - https://bayofplentynz.com/assets/PDFs/TBOP-Cycle-trails-booklet-2025.pdf to download their booklet directly