22 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS <strong>February</strong> <strong>2024</strong> Pedalling paradise in the <strong>Bay</strong> Waitekohekohe recreational park > SHARE WITH CARE There’s still plenty <strong>of</strong> summer left to enjoy a beautiful bike ride in the <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Plenty</strong>. Whether you’re an e-bike cruiser, lycra-clad fitness junkie, wrangling a biker gang <strong>of</strong> kids, or only in it for the c<strong>of</strong>fee at the end – there’s a bike ride for you this summer. Western <strong>Bay</strong>’s bike trails have gone from strength to strength and rival those in the best <strong>of</strong> Aotearoa New Zealand’s biking hot-spots. Here are a few <strong>of</strong> our top cycle trails for your whānau to ride this summer. Ōmokoroa to Tauranga Harbourside board walks, sea views at every turn and a great playground and swimming spot at the end – this 19km bike ride from Ōmokoroa to Tauranga certainly packs a punch. The track is made up <strong>of</strong> both new and existing <strong>of</strong>f-road shared paths and local road connections. It’s a popular one, so get ready to say ‘kia ora’ to other holidaymakers along the way. If you’re not keen to ride the whole thing, there are plenty <strong>of</strong> shorter options. You may like to take a cruisy ride from Plummers Point to Ōmokoroa and back. Stop in at Hūhārua Park, which has recently received a Green Flag Award – one <strong>of</strong> just 26 parks in New Zealand. The Ongarahu Pa site by the main car park at Plummers Point is truly serene and has a stunning view over the harbour – the perfect place to relax after all that pedal power. After riding along boardwalks and checking out the lovely homes you’ll reach the beautiful seaside town <strong>of</strong> Ōmokoroa. There you’ll find a superb destination playground, café, restaurant, dairy for ice blocks and the boat club for lunch by the water. Of course, it’s the perfect place for a dip in the ocean too, so be sure to pack your togs! Katikati If you’ve got a tribe <strong>of</strong> tamariki, plus Grandma and Grandpa on their e-bikes, the leisurely cycle trails in Katikati will hit the sweet spot for a whānau outing. These family friendly rides will give you the chance to enjoy the art, birdlife, orchards, and water that this historic town is known for. There are several short rides to choose from. One <strong>of</strong> the prettiest is the path from the river to the harbour, which has recently been upgraded. You can picnic in Haiku Park and check out the great art installations at the same time, or treat yourself to kai at one <strong>of</strong> the many cafés on the main street. Waitekohekohe recreational park If mountain biking is your thing, the Waitekohekohe recreational park on the outskirts <strong>of</strong> Katikati will be your summer biking paradise. The park’s name is apt as it was gifted by the local hāpu, Ngāi Tamawhariua, and refers to spiritual waters and a sense <strong>of</strong> yearning and climbing. There are so many options in this 88 hectare park, with a series <strong>of</strong> short forest tracks for mountain bikers <strong>of</strong> all abilities. After racing through the trails, there’s a fabulous swimming hole to cool <strong>of</strong>f in too – got to love that! Waihī Beach For one <strong>of</strong> the flattest rides in the District, you can’t go past the cycle trails in the beachside town <strong>of</strong> Waihī Beach and Bowentown. Here you can enjoy the best <strong>of</strong> both worlds, as you cruise alongside the surf beach and also meander inland past the Athenree estuary. This 9km trail is a great ride for the whole whānau to enjoy. There are loads <strong>of</strong> places to stop and refuel, with cafés, playgrounds, reserves and even some opportunities for retail therapy in the heart <strong>of</strong> the township. Most <strong>of</strong> the trail is flat, but the view from the top <strong>of</strong> the eastern most point, above Cave <strong>Bay</strong>, is ample reward for the extra effort it takes to cycle there. Pāpāmoa to Paengaroa For those feeling a bit adventurous: why not peddle the 20km (one way) cycle trail from Pāpāmoa to Paengaroa? This safe and flat route goes inland alongside Ōmokoroa cycleway Bowentown boardwalk the Tauranga Eastern Link. The highway’s banks are planted with beautiful native trees and the Kaituna River bridge features a stunning set <strong>of</strong> pouwhenua (carved Māori land markers). At Paengaroa, you can’t go past the fabulous Trading Post Italian bistro for lunch, where the lasagna and caramello tart are musthaves to help fuel you for the ride back. Or, stop in at the shop at the renowned Comvita factory for some delicious honey for your summer recipes. Kaikōkopu Trail For a great day trip and a good leg workout, get amongst the 61km ride (return) on the Kaikopoku Trail from Paengaroa to Okere Falls. This wonderful country ride with plenty <strong>of</strong> ups and downs has re-opened after the wet weather in early 2023. It’s got a bit <strong>of</strong> everything as you’ll cruise through kiwifruit orchards, native bush, dairy and sheep farms, and enjoy lake and sea views. Once you reach the fast-flowing Okere Falls, you may want to get a dose <strong>of</strong> adrenalin with whitewater rafting or kayaking. For a shorter ride, park at the end <strong>of</strong> Ridge Rd and cruise the 12km to Okere Falls. When biking this summer it’s important that you share the trails with care. Here are a few tips for safe and happy riding this summer: Remember you’re sharing the cycle trail with other people, including those on scooters and skateboards, as well as walkers, runners, and dogs. • Be nice, be safe, be seen – be your best biking self. • If you’re on an e-bike, be mindful <strong>of</strong> your speed especially when you’re passing others. • Keep to the left <strong>of</strong> the path and ring your bell and call out in a friendly way when you’re passing someone. Pāpāmoa to Maketu If you love a good pie, then the 11km ride from Bell Road (beside the Kaituna River) or 13km from Pāpāmoa to Maketu is the one for you! It’s a bit more intrepid than some <strong>of</strong> the other cycle trails in the Western <strong>Bay</strong>, as it’s mostly along back country roads, with a dedicated cycle trail just for the last leg along the Maketu Estuary. Once in Maketu you can refresh with a dip in the ocean and recharge with one <strong>of</strong> the famously delicious Maketu pies – there’s everything from lamb and mint and mince and cheese to mussel, butter chicken and apple pies. Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway – Te Puke Kids will love this flat 4km trail that makes for a relaxed whānau ride. Pedal through wetlands and alongside the Waiari Stream on the eastern outskirts <strong>of</strong> Te Puke. The loop pathway goes through Jubilee Park before meandering through rural paddocks. If you’re lucky you might spot some farm animals. You’ll also cycle over and under bridges and past Te Puke’s oldest cemetery. Plus, dog lovers will be able to stop in at the new dog exercise area as you ride past Lawrence Oliver Park. To find out more about all these superb rides, head to westernbay.govt.nz/recreation/cycleways/ or check out bay<strong>of</strong>plentynz.com/experiences/cycle-trails/western-bay/
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