This article lists useful items to take on the 50k Cycle Route around Auckland, gives some ideas on where to hire bikes in Auckland and some information on the pitfalls and hidden gems of the western section of the route.
"What Additional Kit Should A Cyclist Take on the 50k Cycle Route Around Auckland?"
A novice cyclist should be aware that certain items are important to take on a route such as the 50k Cycle Route around Auckland. These include the following:
- map
- cycle helmet (it's a legal requirement in NZ)
- basic cycle repair kit (minimum of pump, tyre levers and spare inner tube)
- cycle lock (in case of stops for sightseeing, buying drinks, snacks etc)
- sunscreen
- water bottle (full!)
- lightweight wind/rainproof jacket
Auckland City Council produces a Cycle Guide which contains a map of the Auckland region. The 50k route is marked as a thin red line, and is useful to take as a lightweight map of the route.
"Where Can I Hire Bicycles in Auckland?"
If the visitor to Auckland wanting to cycle the 50k Cycle Route around Auckland hasn't got a bike, it is easy to hire a bicycle in Auckland. Mountain/hybrid and road bikes tend to cost roughly $NZ25-50 ($US18-35) a day, two companies worth investigating include Adventure Cycles and Bike Central. Bike Central is more expensive but based in Central Auckland; Adventure Cycles keeps its costs down by being a little bit further out in Western Springs.
Another option which visiting cyclists needing to hire a bicycle in Auckland might consider is NextBike. However, while the NextBike concept is a great idea, with cycles located in many parts of central Auckland, affordable rental (only $NZ16/$US11) a day), these bikes are not ideal for covering 50km in one go unless the cyclist has serious masochistic tendencies!
What Pitfalls are There on the Western Part of the 50k Cycle Route around Auckland?
The short area around Jaggers Bush will produce problems for some. The marked route on the Cycle Guide map through Jaggers Bush involves a gravel/dirt path and several steep steps which is completely unrideable on a NextBike (many roadbikes will also be unrideable on this section, but they should be light enough to lift up the steps, which are steeper than they look on the photo!)
An alternative route continues up Old Mill Road, before turning down Garnet Road to rejoin the route. However, those who are unfit or unused to cycling may need to walk up the steep slope of Old Mill Road.
A better alternative for the novice rider may well be to continue westwards past Motions Road on the Great North Rd before taking the next right into Premier Ave. This bends left as it changes name to Kanuka St; at the end turn right into Moa Rd. At the end of Moa Rd, turn right onto Meola Road, and rejoin the route on the far side of Jaggers Bush.
What is There to See on the Western Part of the 50k Cycle Route around Auckland?
The route goes past MOTAT and Auckland Zoo from Western Springs – these are major tourist attractions in their own right, and may be worth a lengthy stop-off en-route. Although the Jaggers Park section will cause some riders difficulty, for those with a lightweight mountain bike it has some very pleasant sections; alternatively Old Mill Rd can provide a brief challenge to the legs with its steepness.
The route continues around Coxs Bay (with a good view out to Waitemata Harbour) and around the southern point facing Northcote Point, with fantastic evening views out west into Waitemata Harbour before returning to Viaduct Bay via Westhaven Marina and a good view through masts to Auckland City Centre.
The article " Overview of the 50km Cycle Route Around Auckland " by the same author gives further information on the north, east and south parts of the 50k Cycle Route Around Auckland.
Chiz Dakin - A keen mountain walker, scrambler, cyclist and occasional climber and sea kayaker for several years, Chiz Dakin has carried a camera with ...
