Family-Friendly Cycling Adventures - New Plymouth, NZ

If you’re dreaming of a family getaway that blends gentle outdoor adventure, sunshine, and plenty of smiles, cycling around New Plymouth is hard to beat. With wide coastal paths, peaceful parks, and purpose-built cycle areas, it’s perfect for riders of all ages and skill levels. And when your holiday base is right by the sea at Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park, you can start each day with fresh ocean air and end it with your toes in the sand.

Whether you’ve got little ones still learning to ride or confident tweens looking for a challenge, Taranaki offers safe, scenic, and unforgettable rides for the whole whānau.

The Star of the Show – New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

If you only do one ride, make it this one. Stretching for 12.7 km along the waterfront, the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway is flat, fully paved, and completely separated from traffic – perfect for young riders and parents towing bike trailers.

Start your ride right from Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park and head north towards the famous Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Its sculptural white arches perfectly frame Taranaki Maunga in the distance, making it one of the most photographed spots in the region. Keep the camera ready - this is a family holiday shot you’ll treasure.

For a shorter ride, turn around at the bridge and roll back to Fitzroy, maybe stopping for a coffee at one of the beachside cafés. If the kids have energy to burn, keep going south past the Wind Wand, the city centre, and out to Ngāmotu Beach. The whole stretch is stroller-friendly too, so non-riders can still join in on foot.

Pedal & Play – Taranaki Cycle Park

For a more contained cycling environment, head to the Taranaki Cycle Park in Bell Block. It’s free to use, open daily, and has something for every age:

Mini road circuit with traffic lights, stop signs, and roundabouts – perfect for teaching road safety skills.
Pump track for BMX bikes and confident riders wanting a bit of thrill.
Velodrome for speedy laps.
Open grassy areas for picnics or kicking a ball around.

It’s the sort of place where kids can practise skills while parents relax, knowing everyone’s in a safe, traffic-free zone.

Lake Mangamahoe – A Forest Escape

Just a short drive inland, Lake Mangamahoe offers a change of scenery from the coast. While it’s also a popular spot for intermediate mountain bikers, families can enjoy the gentle lakeside paths that weave through forest and farmland. Keep an eye out for black swans, ducks, and even views of Mount Taranaki peeking through the trees.

The circuit is about 6 km, so it’s very doable for kids with a bit of stamina. You can also break it up with plenty of photo stops or just do a partial loop and head back when the little legs start to tire.

Pukekura Park – Nature Meets Nostalgia

Cycling through Pukekura Park feels like stepping into a storybook. This sprawling inner-city garden is criss-crossed with paths that take you past ornamental lakes, bridges, fountains, and towering trees. While some paths are more suited to walking than cycling, you can combine short bike rides with time off the saddle to explore the fernery, feed ducks, or hire a rowboat on the main lake.

If you visit in late spring, summer or early autumn, the park often hosts concerts, festivals, and evening light displays – a magical way to round off a day of riding.

Short Coastal Loops for Young Riders

If your kids aren’t ready for the full length of the walkway, you can still give them the coastal experience in bite-sized chunks. Two great options starting from Fitzroy are:

Strandon to Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and back (~8 km return) – wide, smooth, and mostly flat.
Fitzroy to the Wind Wand and back (~6 km return) – adds a little city buzz to the ride, with ice-cream or bakery stops along the way.

These shorter loops are great for afternoons when you want to be back at the beach for a swim before dinner.

Practical Tips for Family Cycling in Taranaki

Hire bikes locally – If you don’t bring your own, there are several bike hire operators in New Plymouth with kids’ bikes, tag-alongs, and trailers.
Pack snacks and water – Even the easiest rides seem to make kids hungry. Picnic spots are plentiful along the coast and in the parks.
Sunscreen and wind protection – Taranaki’s sea breeze can be deceiving; you can get sunburnt even on cooler days.
Check the weather – Coastal conditions can change quickly. Mornings are often calmer for riding.
Mix it up – Combine a ride with a beach stop, playground visit, or café treat to keep everyone motivated.

Why Fitzroy Beach is the Perfect Base

Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park is right on the edge of the Coastal Walkway, so you can literally roll out of your cabin or campsite and onto the path. The park’s facilities cater to families, with playgrounds, BBQ areas, and safe spaces for kids to play. Plus, being only minutes from New Plymouth’s cafés, galleries, and shops means you can fill your holiday with as much (or as little) adventure as you like.

The Takeaway

New Plymouth offers a rare combination: safe, scenic rides that are genuinely enjoyable for all ages, backed by a region that’s proud of its natural beauty and welcoming spirit. Whether you’re cycling beside crashing surf, gliding past manicured gardens, or winding through forest trails, there’s always another discovery around the bend.

So, load up the bikes, book your stay at Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park, and make cycling part of your next family holiday. You’ll leave with tired legs, happy hearts, and a memory card full of magic.