With an abundance of new bike parking locations popping up in newly transformed city spaces like Quay Street and busy entertainment areas like Aotea Square, as well as fantastic new cycle paths opening up, it's never been easier to go cycling in Auckland. Auckland city is improving accessibility and moving us closer to a full network of safe cycle routes. There's never been a better time to try two-wheeled transport as a means of getting in, out and around the city centre. Let us get you well versed with all the need-to-know details in our guide to the new Auckland cycleways, cycle paths and new bike routes in the city.
New cycle lanes and paths
Quay Street and the Viaduct
There are a growing number of cycleways now connecting Aucklanders to the city centre, making commuting for work or study easier and more enjoyable. A brand new dedicated cycleway on Quay Street has recently been finished, with trees planted on one side and the Waitemata Harbour on the other, making it a lovely place to ride.
Also new in the area is Project WAVE to improve access for those on bikes by connecting the Nelson Street Cycleway through the Viaduct to the Quay Street Cycleway, with bike lanes running along Market Place, Customs Street West, and Lower Hobson Street.
Waihorotiu Path | Queen Street
The Waihorotiu Path is a new multi-use path between Aotea Square and Shortland Street that's available for scooters, bikes and fast movers. There is now more space for people to move around and enjoy the street and all it has to offer from high-end fashion stores to jewellers, sportswear, bars, cafes, restaurants and more!
The multi-use path has been named ‘Waihorotiu path’ to reflect the important waterways that once carved natural pathways across the whenua (land) where the present-day city centre now stands. The name will daylight knowledge about the awa (river) that continues to flow underneath Queen Street.
The ground markings add a layer of behavioural information to the path surface. Inspired by the Waihorotiu, a theme of flow and connection is adopted to add character to the path while indicating that the path is an active zone, differentiated from the pedestrian-only footpath.
You’ll see plant species which mirror the wetland heritage of upper Queen Street, broadleaf varieties reflecting the forest / ngāhere which once thrived here, and coastal plants to acknowledge the harbour. The colour palette of the planters also speaks to the area’s history. A gold planter will reflect the cultural history of the Aotea precinct, a scoria colour will reflect the mid-section’s volcanic geology, and Corten steel is a nod to the maritime character of the waterfront end of the street.
So, when you ride along the new Waihorotiu path or walk along the widened footpaths of the newly finished street, don’t forget to notice the narrative of the plants, feel the vibrancy of the new design and take cues from the markings and textural changes which will guide you.
Te Ara i Whiti | Lightpath
You've probably seen Te Ara i Whiti or Lightpath before - it's the eye-catching pink path that was created using a redundant motorway offramp. It's a popular hybrid space - both a cycle and walking path that encourages exploration, discovery - and not to mention a fantastic photo opportunity for your Instagram feed! It’s functional too – it’s a fun and safe connection from the north-western cycleway into the city centre.
EcoMatters Bike Hub on Queens Wharf
Whether you need some help with basic bike maintenance, are looking for parts and accessories or are just starting out and need to purchase a bike, the EcoMatters Bike Hub on Queens Wharf is there to help! They're all about getting more people cycling and provide a range of free services to anyone who is interested in riding a bike. The aim is to work alongside you to develop your skills and knowledge, so you can freely enjoy the benefits of cycling.
What's on offer:
- free access to tools and advice on basic bike maintenance
- restored and safety-checked second-hand bikes for sale
- used and new bike parts and accessories
- safe cycling advice and guidance
- free cycling maps, including Flat White Ride and Pedal Puketāpapa
Got a bike?
Bring it in for advice and support about maintenance and basic repairs. They have parts available to purchase, including replacement cables, tyre tubes, brake pads and chains.
Don’t have a bike (yet)?
The Bike Hub has a range of serviced low-cost used bikes for sale, or can provide advice about where else you could find a bike to suit your needs. They can also offer advice and support if you haven’t ridden a bike in a while (or ever).
Visit the EcoMatters website for more info.
Bike Parking
It's important that if you're cycling into the city centre, there's somewhere to park your bike! Some more bike parking bays have popped up, including outside Aotea Square on Queen Street making it easier to store your bike when you're planning on catching a show at an arts venue nearby.
Free, secure Locky Docks are also available in two city centre locations currently - Silo Park (on the corner of Jellicoe and Beaumont, by the playground) and at Les Mills Victoria Street West – with more on the way soon! To use Locky Docks, simply tap your AT HOP card or download the Locky Dock app. If you're an e-bike rider, these have the added bonus of being FREE charging stations.
It’s a good idea to check out the convenient AT interactive map which is a great way to access all information about bike parking and bike lanes.
Image: Auckland Transport
Longer term parking
Now open inside the Britomart Carpark, you can rent a secure, undercover spot to park your e-bike or push-bike by the month. With 80 spaces available, simply email parking@britomartgroup.org for more information and to secure your spot.
Charging e-bikes
If you’ve racked up the kilometres exploring or speeding between meetings all day, you can recharge your ride for free at Locky Docks at Silo Park (on the corner of Jellicoe and Beaumont, by the playground) and Les Mills Victoria Street West (with more coming soon).
Image: Locky Dock
Bikes on public transport
Travelling a bit further, but want to cycle around the city centre when you get here? Bikes and scooters can be taken on most trains and ferries with no extra fee, with any fare-paying passenger subject to available space (peak train times not recommended). Buses also allow bikes and scooters if they fold up.
Hiring bikes
Keen to hire a bike to explore the city centre? Power to the Pedal can make this happen for you with their high-quality eBikes. Hire for the day, grab a coffee at the waterfront, ride up to the Art Gallery to look at some stunning art, and then head back down to Britomart for a delicious lunch all while getting in some great exercise. They also offer a unique cycling experience with tours that will show you the highlights of Auckland, all from a local's perspective.
Shopping for bikes in the city centre
Evo Cycles in Britomart provides Aucklanders with the largest range of bikes in the country. They also offer comprehensive services and knowledgeable advice about all things cycling. The business is family-owned and operated, so you can put your full trust in the team.
Or if you're thinking of going electric, check out Electrify NZ who have grown to become one of New Zealand's top electric bike specialists. Pop in to the Victoria Park store whether you are after a commuter bike, electric bike, a comfortable bike for the paths and trails, or a serious off-road mountain bike - free test rides are also available. Also in the Victoria Park precinct is Freed, who sell electric scooters as well as electric bikes and skateboards.