When we rode this loop ride back in April ’21, it wasn’t an official part of the Hawke’s Bay Trails network. It is now, and it features a new off-road section as an alternative to riding on Waimarama Road, this is great improvement. Well done guys!
Stretching around 30kms, this ride only really features two (and a half) climbs, one up over the Waimarama Road toward Craggy Range and the other on the opposite side of the valley on Tukituki Road, neither are particularly tough or long.
Scenery
Rivers and bridges, vineyards and orchards, Te Mata Peak
Pitstops
Red Bridge Coffee (no toilet) Craggy Range Vineyard
Grade
Grade 1 easy riding
50% limestone pathways
50% roads
Stats
2 hours ride time
30kms in length
180m climbs
Getting to the trail is easy. On the far side of Black Bridge in Haumoana on Mill Road, there’s a carpark that is a good starting point. We have done this loop a few times clockwise, but on this day we decided to ride anti-clockwise instead.
The northern side of the loop takes you past a number of vineyards and orchards on your way to the River Road Reserve in Havelock North. The trail is all limestone and should suit all riding abilities. Hawke’s Bay Trails have a good map of their entire trail network here.
There’s a neat little container cafe conveniently located at the halfway mark past Red Bridge called Red Bridge Coffee they have a good selection of food and drinks .
If you need a bike or a shuttle, we recommend getting in touch with Takaro Trails. They have a great reputation in Hawke’s Bay, let them know we sent you.
Autumn is a great time of year to be out on a bike, and this loop has Hawke’s Bay’s best colours on show. If you ride in summer, make sure you cover up and wear plenty of sunscreen as the Hawke’s Bay sun is relentless.
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