A TASTE OF BIKING - HAWKE’S BAY
Wine & Food Trail By Tory Crowder Three days of biking in Hawke’s Bay with great weather and plenty of local delights... it’s the trails that continue to excite. Starting in Havelock North, we rode along Te Mata Road stopping for lunch at Black Barn Bistro. The landscape along the way reminding us of the South of France. From the vineyard, an off-road limestone trail meanders along River Road, away from passing traffic and some welcome fresh air to soak up lunch. We were then off to Haumoana. The limestone track sits atop a stopbank, giving panoramic views to Te Mata Peak. If you’d prefer a road cycle first, check out the Tukituki River Valley road loop linking back to Black Bridge.
Cottages is a good place to stay, especially if travelling as a couple. Alternatively, if you’re keen to cycle through to Napier, the YHA Napier, is on the Water Ride entering the city. Day two was a longer day, we were back on the bikes and made a leisurely start after a hearty breakfast. The plan was to ride through to Napier on the Water Ride and back through Taradale to Clive. Another option is to ride the Eskdale MTB Bike Park for a full day on single tracks. (pg 78). Jenny from Takaro Trails (see pg 75) provides a drop off service as part of hiring a bike. A guided service is also available.
At Black Bridge the trail heads south to Cape Kidnappers (Short & Sweet pg 76). Two wineries took our fancy, Elephant Hill and Clearview Estate. Clifton Café serves good coffee and you can stay nearby at Te Awanga Cottages.
Heading north, the bridge where the Tutaekuri and Ngaruroro Rivers meet the sea, is a great spot to take in the view. Once in Napier, we visited the National Aquarium of New Zealand, located along the trail, before dropping into see Brian at Fishbike for a coffee. We then rode north through to Westshore (Short n Sweet pg 76). After reaching the north end of the trail, we returned and came inland slightly, riding through to Pandora Pond. We then followed the trail to Ahuriri Estuary with its native birdlife. Continuing southwest, the Mission Estate and Church Road Wineries border the trail. Passing Taradale and a small road section, we rejoined the limestone trail and the Tutaekuri River back to Clive. On our final day, we opted to explore the Wineries Ride, which is currently being converted to an off-road trail. Sileni Estate and Triangle Cellars were two favourite winery stops. Another suggestion is the cycle-friendly cafe at the Hastings Golf Course.
Alternatively, it’s a return ride to Black Bridge then a short trail ride to Clive. Clive Colonial
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