It's a beautiful day — what could be more perfect than getting outside, enjoying the sunshine and taking your child for a bike ride? A park or school are ideal places to ride or learn to ride a bike. It’s safe, away from traffic and you can ride along taking in that big smile on your child's face.
But before you take them on any bike adventure make sure they are wearing a helmet that fits well. Remember it should:
1. Cover their forehead
2. Not tip back on their head
3. Always make sure the straps are fastened securely
It can be a bit of a mission to find a safe park to ride, so we have done some research for you and made a list of the most popular and suitable kid friendly bike parks and biking routes around Auckland
NORTH AUCKLAND
OREWA ESTUARY BIKE RIDE
Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa (40 minutes drive north of central Auckland.)
Great family-friendly loop around the Orewa estuary with a wide path which is mainly flat and sealed. Very suitable for riding with children or learning to ride a bike. (TOTAL Loop is 7.6 km but you can do only a part of it.) Next to the Estuary Arts Centre you find public toilets and drinking water and close by is the Orewa Skate Park, great for skateboarders, scooters and bikers of all ages. The trip is worth it as it makes a great day out, combining time at the nearby Orewa beach, shops and restaurants.
ONEPOTO DOMAIN BIKE PARK
Sylvan Avenue, Northcote, North Shore, Auckland
The domain is very popular as it offers something for the whole family including a little duck pond, picnic areas, children's adventure playground (with a flying fox), cycling track and 'learn to ride' bike path, a safe cycling circuit with mock traffic markings. The cycling track is varied, mainly asphalt but with a few interesting bits, like a wooden ‘bridge’ and a cobbled section.
Onepoto Domain is easy to get to as it is just off SH1 Onewa exit. click here There’s plenty of parking too.
WEST AUCKLAND
PARRS PARK BIKE TRACK FOR KIDS
West Coast Road, Glen Eden, Auckland
This park has excellent bike tracks suitable for all ages and abilities with flat, wide path around. It's a great for children learning to ride and has a small bike pump area. If you had enough of cycling, the playground has a lot to offer with a tall tower and two awesome slides. There is also a sand and water play area for hours of family fun. Car parking and public toilets are available.
HENDERSON PARK CYCLE WAY
Wilsher Cresent, Henderson, Auckland
Henderson Park offers over 3km of flat concrete pathways and is a great space to build confidence on a bike. If you keep south you past Opanuku Stream Reserve and Shona Esplanade Reserve, which is very sheltered.
You can also keep yourself fit with the fitness equipment in the middle of the park.
AUCKLAND CITY
CORNWALL PARK - FAMILY BIKING
Greenlane West, Epsom, Auckland
Cornwall Park always has lots to explore and is a fantastic place for kids to bike. After finishing your bike adventure you can visit the farm animals, check out the cool playground or take a family picnic and enjoy the views. This vast park has something suitable for everyone. Check out Cornwall Park Website for more info.
SOUTH /EAST AUCKLAND
BARRY CURTIS PARK - LEARN TO BIKE
Kawa Dr, Flat Bush, East Auckland
Barry Curtis Park is one of New Zealand’s largest and favorite urban parks with lots of flat concrete paths for kids to learn to ride a bike. It also offers an amazing skate park which gets quite busy on the weekends or during school holidays.
TOTARA PARK - MOUNTAIN BIKE TRACKS
Redoubt Road, The Gardens, South Auckland
If you looking for mountain bike tracks, Totara Park has quite a few to offer. From beginners to advanced grade, it has a range of different routes suited for different abilities, including those in early stages of learning to those who want a bumpy challenge.
We hope we got you some inspiration for your next bike adventure or to improve your bike skills.
Enjoy summer and don’t forget to wear a helmet all times.