Family-Friendly Bike Rides
Family-friendly trails on our shared path network
This is your guide to family-friendly bike trails in the heart of Rotorua. Whether it is a lakefront cruise, or a gentle ride through a towering redwood forest with your family, we have all the information you need.
Most of the routes are suitable for young riders and family groups, as well as walkers and strollers.
Mokopuna Trail
3.2km loop
Start/end: Tītokorangi - The Redwoods isite Visitor Information Centre on Tītokorangi Drive, Whakarewarewa.
Pop into the isite for more information about the Mokopuna Trail which is a great introduction to off-road cycling. The trail has a smooth and easy, hard-packed gravel surface and passes through beautiful Douglas fir, larch, and redwood forest, with an understory of punga ferns.
Linton Park/Mangakākahi Stream Trail
4km one way
Start/end: Pukehangi Rd to Sunset Rd (with exit/entry also at Edmund Rd and Goldie St).
The ride is mostly downhill from Pukehangi Rd. For an easier one-way trip, you can send an adult back to get the car, or, if you want a bit more of a challenge, make a return trip. The smooth and easy track follows the Mangakākahi Stream and passes through several reserves. Ideal for a half-day outing with a picnic on the stream bank. If the kids are keen for more, pop into Sunset School and have a go on their impressive bike track.
Reeme St, Ngongotahā Lakefront Reserve
1.2km one way
Start/end: Ngongotahā carpark on Taui St
A great ride for families with little ones on small wheels. Grab some lunch at Ngongotahā and then head along Taui St to the lake. The path then follows the lakefront to end at the playground on Operiana St. Have a picnic at the playground before returning the way you came.
Utuhina Stream Shared Path
4-6km one way
Start/end: Devon St West or Malfroy Rd to Old Taupo Rd (with the option to continue to Kuirau Park).
If you live in the Springfield, Hillcrest or Fordlands areas, try this scenic ride into town and finish with a foot soak at Kuirau Park. A terrific way to introduce older children to cycling as a way to get around.
Tāhuna a Pūkeko/Hamurana Lakefront Reserve
1.5km one way
Start/end: Fryer Rd to Hamurana Reserve parking area.
This flat, lime-chip track is perfect for young children new to bike riding. Cruise along the path which follows the lakefront to the playground opposite Turner Rd. Take a picnic and return or cross the road to visit the Hamurana Springs Nature Park.
Te Arikiroa/Sanatorium Path
Up to 6km
Start/ End: Lakefront carpark on Whakaue St, or Puarenga Park
A ride to stretch the legs for those ready for a bit more of a challenge. The route also has options for shorter loops along the way. Small sections of this ride follow quiet streets with low-speed limits, and the off-road tracks have flat, lime-chip surfaces. You will see geothermal activity, native birds, and ride past groves of mānuka. This ride is a good outing with things to see and do along the way. Have a soak at the hot spas, grab a bite to eat at a cafe or take a rest-stop at the lakefront where children can enjoy the playground.
Kids' scavenger hunt
Get on your bike, look out for the items on the list and tick off as many items as you can!
You can download the list and print or do it on a device.
