We are LOVING this new bike track craze – and if you’ve got a daredevil bike rider, then pump tracks, loop roads and cycle trails are the biz. The fun factor is seriously high, and it turns out racing around tracks with a myriad of corners, lumps, bumps, and other riders to avoid will actually develop your child’s hand-eye coordination and technical skills. No excuses (not that you’ll want any) – we’ve found all the best spots to get those wheels moving and those hearts a-racing.
West Auckland
Olympic Park
Where: Portage Rd, New Lynn
Olympic Park is an awesome location for different biking abilities, with flat surface areas and more difficult incline and declines further along. With a playground on site including rope-climbing frames and a sheltered sandpit, this is one of West Auckland’s best.
Parrs Park
Where: Seymour Road, Glen Eden
Parrs Park is well known for its sports fields, basketball courts, and the large playground. What sometimes isn’t mentioned is the excellent bike track suitable for family outings.
Henderson Park
Where: Wilsher Cresent, Henderson
Home to over 3km of flat concrete pathways, this bike ride is sweet and simple for those who are still building confidence when riding. During this adventure, you can admire the integrated art and stop off at one of the local playgrounds or cafes.
Riverhead Pump Track
Where: Old North Road, Riverhead
For children who are confident bikers and are ready to challenge themselves, Riverhead is home to one of New Zealand’s premier pump tracks. Children here will enjoy plenty of gap jumps.
Western Springs
Where: 731 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
Home to one of Auckland’s natural lakes, Western Springs is full of adventure, wildlife, and family fun. Whether it’s a picnic or feeding the geese, make sure to bring your bike, as this track is ideal for a free family day out.
Woodhill
Where: State Hwy 16, Kumeu
Iconic for being Auckland’s most popular and mesmerising biking track, Woodhill Forest is open seven days a week for biking action. With over 100km+ of maintained tracks, there is an option suitable for riders of all different abilities.
Avondale Central Reserve
Where: Racecourse Parade, Avondale
Upgraded in 2015, the Avondale Central Reserve’s new track was created for kids learning to ride. Vibrant and fun, this track teaches children basic cycling road rules, including when to give way and stop.
North Shore
Greville Reserve
Where: Greville Rd, Forrest Hill
Another awesome track for beginners, Greville Reserve has a colourfully painted track that is simple and enjoyable for learners. Basketball courts, a playground, and an area for skateboarding and soccer are also on site.
Birkenhead Pump Track
Where: Birkenhead, North Shore
A great spot to take pre-schoolers during term time (while the big kids are at school) or for the bigger kids to go and get some practice on a BMX track, this is a bit of a hidden treasure. And there are lots of extra activities if you want to make a bigger excursion. Options for the extras include high ropes, indoor climbing wall, skate park, public pool and a playground!
Normanton Reserve
Where: Normanton Rd, Glenfield
Centred around a large playground, Normanton Reserve offers loop tracks for beginners and more advanced riders. This includes a small ramp and obstacles for children to weave in and out of.
Onepoto Domain
Where: Sylvan Ave, Northcote
One of North Shore’s finest spots, Onepoto Domain has the ultimate track for beginners itching to ride. Here, you will find a modern bike park dedicated to teaching children the road rules of cycling to ensure they are safe when biking in busier areas.
Sanders Reserve
Where: 180-186 Sanders Rd, Paremoremo
Perfect for mountain biking, Sanders Reserve consists of different tracks suitable for beginners. The Kids Loop is a must do for younger riders, with many small obstacles on the way. During this adventure, you will be surrounded by beautiful scenery and fresh air.
Orewa Estuary Cycleway
Where: 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa
Although slightly out of Auckland, this one cannot be missed. The Orewa Estuary Cycleway is an awesome spot for those who are eager riders. On this route, you can admire the natural scenery and pop down to the beach to recover.
Central Auckland
Tole Reserve
Where: 104 Clarence Street, Ponsonby
Grab your bikes (and your dog) and head to Tole Reserve, one of Auckland’s finest neighbourhood parks. A newly painted bike track has been incorporated next to the playground to ensure your children can ride in an enjoyable environment. This park is also home to a basketball court and off-leash dog area.
Little Rangitoto Reserve
Where: Upland Road, Remuera
For beginner bikers, Little Rangitoto Reserve is an easy and enjoyable spot. Other than its bike track and skate bowl, this park is also home to one of Auckland’s best flying foxes.
Arch Hill
Where: Ivanhoe Road, Grey Lynn
For those close to the CBD, Arch Hill is a nearby mountain bike trail suitable for all levels. This track includes a “training wheels” track for beginners and also has all things thrilling for more confident riders
Lightpark Cycleway
Where: Nelson Street, Auckland CBD
If you haven’t visited this hotspot already, then you’re in for a treat. Although only stretching 1km, this track is easy and a neat way to show your children the city up close and personal. Its integration of modern art and vibrant colours is sure to keep this experience interesting.
Cornwall Park
Where: Puriri Drive, Epsom
Well known for its beautiful environment and famous ice cream, Cornwall Park is also a fantastic place for kids to bike. Whether it’s visiting all the farm animals or learning how to ride on the large grass area, this park has something suitable for everyone.
Grey Lynn Pump Track
Where: 48 Dryden Street, Grey Lynn
The recently opened Grey Lynn Pump Track is the ultimate park for children keen show off their jumps, twists, and turns. Young bikers so far have been loving this track, which is proving to be a hotspot for BMX, mountain bike, and skateboard enthusiasts.
South/East Auckland
Barry Curtis Park
Where: Kawa Dr, Flat Bush
Barry Curtis Park is one of New Zealand’s prime spots for children, with its large playgrounds, playing fields, and 5km bike ride route. This is a great place for beginner bikers, scooter lovers, or skaters.
Totara Park
Where: Charles Provost Drive, Manurewa
Another well-kept secret, Totara Park is the ultimate bike zone for confident riders. There is a range of different routes suited for different abilities, including those in early stages of learning to those who want a bumpy challenge.
Samuel Miller Reserve
Where: 54 Nelson Street, Pukekohe
A great place for children to learn the road rules of cycling, this park is really neat! Along with the bike track, you will also find two long slides and other obstacle activities for youngsters to enjoy.
Puni Park Pump Track
Where: 94 Attewell Road, Pukekohe
Mountain bikers, we have found an amazing spot for your biker family! Here there is a variety of dirt tracks, including a looping single track, pump track, and jump trail. We recommend this for advanced bikers as it can be extremely difficult for those who are not yet confident.
Pakuranga Rotary Walkway
Where: Bramley Drive, Pakuranga
Located alongside the picturesque Tamaki River, this shared path in Pakuranga is one of East Auckland’s top biking spots. Its simplistic design and popular snakes-and-ladders slide hidden at the nearby park provide families with the opportunity for a day full of action and fun.
By Finn Jelicich
Image: Grey Lynn Pump Track/Keithandsandy.co.nz
