Walking and biking around Napier
From there we biked into town and along Ocean Beach enjoying the murals on the beach front, on buildings,
Opposite page - Above: Biking from Awatoto to Clifton past ‘Atea a Rangi’ the celestrial compass which symbolises the navigation skills of early settlers.
Middle: A wetlands area.
Below: Beautiful Autumn colours on the winding coastal shared pathway between Napier and Clive. and in reserves, all the way to Waitangi Reserve.
There, we explored Atea a Rangi, the celestial star compass, which symbolises the navigational skills of early settlers.
At Awatoto we turned inland and followed the Tutaekuri River to Green Meadows. This was a very easy ride along stop banks, past apple orchards and several bridges painted with interesting murals on each support.
Reaching Taradale early afternoon, we stopped for a coffee and
were shown a lovely winding trail connecting Taradale to Mission Estate Winery.
The trees were showing their best autumn colours, and a little creek ran under arched brick bridges. It was well used by both bikers and walkers and became our favourite section, to cut through.
At Mission Estate we stopped for a ‘Taste’ and had a really interesting hour or so, hearing the history of the mission from French beginnings to
present day achievements.
We continued north through the wetlands, and more bridges with beautiful murals, on the way back to Bayview.
Day 2 we drove down to Hastings and Havelock North and walked Te Mata Peak. What stunning countryside!
It was a beautiful sunny day and the views were magnificent with rolling hills forever. The park has lots of walking tracks and mountain bike trails, and a lovely cafe, with awesome views of the area from the deck.
We then drove back to Awatoto and finished the coastal section through Clive, Haumoana and Te Awanga, down to Clifton – the ‘Landscapes Ride’.
The next day was a wander in the wetlands in Ahuriri, followed by an easy bike along local paths, and onto the Puketapu Loop beside the Tutaekuri River. After a beer, we returned to Bayview.
On our last day we drove south to Roys Hill Reserve, where we began the wineries cycle trail. This was an interesting ride through Gimblett Gravels,and Bridge Pa, passing grapes, apples and several cellar doors open for tastings.
Before returning along the Ngaruroro River we biked through a 150
year old Oak Grove which was quite stunning. The trees were huge.
Next day we headed home. On the way we stopped at Opepe Bush Walk, on the Napier/Taupo Highway.
It’s only a half hour walk and has some magnificent rimu, matai, miro, totara and kaikatea.
The trail leads to a memorial for nine soldiers killed in an ambush by Te kooti and his men. This little reserve is well worth a look.
After four days of walking, biking, coffees, wine and brilliant weather, we drove on home already planning our next adventure.