Gaining a change of scenery doesn’t always require travelling in a car or leaving the Bay of Plenty area.
We live in a city where the council has been on a mission, a cycle mission, for a few years and, within that time, has created more than 60 kms of predominantly off-road urban trails that sew the city together. There are urban trails and cycling experiences to suit all fitness levels. As you know, I have used many on a weekly basis though there was one I was yet to enjoy twice.
A cycle ride from our residence is approximately 60 kms return and one of the most scenic in the Tauranga area.
We started off our cycle ride via the estuary and rode on mostly urban roads to the beginning of the bike clip-on alongside the Wairoa bridge, then on the concrete path alongside Te Puna Station Rd, through the car park and under the railway. Next, there were changes in the cycleway due to Gabrielle. A positive is there were no cars on this stretch of road. It could be permanently closed off to cars due to the extensive damage.
We continued along quiet countryside roads until our first bridge led us onto the Te Puna Estuary.
Right into Plummers Point Rd for approx. 2km. If you ride up onto the grass verge reserve (right-hand side of the road ), like us, you will be rewarded with fantastic harbour views.
The Newest Cycle Track – highlights it’s oldest stories
At the end of Plummers Point Road, we came across the Huharua Reserve. This reserve is the site of the Ongarahu Pa, one of the most well-preserved defensive fortifications known in New Zealand.
Huharua translated means a gully or swale. The meaning of the name relates to an oral tradition of a tunnel or covered ditch that linked the two pa of Huharua and Ongarahu. It is believed that warriors used the tunnel to escape when the pa was under siege.
The historic Pa site, Ongarahu.
Riding through Huhurua Harbour Park on the Plummers Point Cycleway, we then turned right across the bridge on the Omokoroa Cycleway, then riding on Lynley Park Drive, and turned right at the roundabout onto Lakeside Terrace, which flows onto the Omokoroa Cycleway.
This took us through Cooney Reserve and onto the Esplanade Road Reserve to the Omokoroa Wharf, play area and a beautiful beachfront.
We returned the way we came: following the Esplanade and Omokoroa Cycleway, which is well signposted.
Life at No. 22 
What a scenic trail! The herons, the fantastic harbour views and the hedges that shape as a koru make me smile. Thank you for sharing this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, Natalie and it is a lovely scenic ride, with the opportunity to stop half way at a boutique cidery for a cold one or have a swim when reaching Omokorua. Best done in summer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks like a fairly level ride, no big climbs – always a plus! I wasn’t sure what a Pa might be. Is that a village?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eilene, a Pa is any Māori village or defensive settlement, but often refers to hillforts; fortified settlements with palisades and defensive terraces; and also to fortified villages. Mainly in the North Island and north of Lake Taupo.
The cycle ride is mainly undulating with one hill that requires more effort. By the time, we arrived home we knew we had exercised 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It almost felt like cycling in the sea, watching that video, Suzanne. Such a lovely place. I think that’s the first time I’ve seen a koru shaped hedge. It sounded like a long ride.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful video, isn’t it, Jo. Unfortunately, I published this post without rechecking for mistakes. Oh well, all sorted now🙄 It’s a longish ride, though there’s many places to take a break and enjoy the view.
LikeLike
I’ll pop back for another look but I didn’t notice anything, Suzanne. No worries 🙃 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good that you didn’t notice, and I didn’t expect you to reread it😁
LikeLike
Don’t be daft. It’s a pleasure 🤣🩵
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers, Jo 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
A well photographed enticing trip
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Derrick. It’s always fun putting images together with words to create another blog post. This one has been in my draft folder for a few months.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful ride, Suzanne. The scenery is so beautiful and I loved the video.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cathy. It is definitely a favourite of mine and for many cyclists as it’s varied in terrain, from the countryside to harbourside views. I think creating these cycleways was money well spent by the local authorities.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Phew, that sounds exhausting but very satisfying, and scenic. Hope your battery helped on the ascents, Suzanne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The views made me smile too! And the cycle way is an excellent initiative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so, and with so much traffic congestion in Tauranga more cycleways will hopefully lessen the situation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What stunning scenery and such a great bike ride! I hope the road gets fixed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a stunner of a ride. The road will undoubtedly be low on the councils to-do list.
LikeLike
Fabulous photo of the herons, so crystal clear
LikeLiked by 1 person