The Kapiti Coast is well known for its beautiful scenery, and what better way to enjoy this than to take you and your family on a bike ride across one or more brilliant locations, all right here in Kapiti.

Here are our top four family-friendly bike rides in Kapiti:

1 – Expressway Bike Track

There is a 16-kilometre long track alongside the Expressway, consisting of a 3 metre wide shared path for cyclists and walkers, and sections of 1-metre wide bridleway (primarily for equestrians to use). There are a number of entrances to the expressway bike track, which can be found here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects

The track consists of a fairly flat and easy to ride path, and is not too close to the expressway as not to be disrupted in any way by passing traffic. There are a number of bits of wetlands where, if you’re lucky, you might get to see some ducks or even a pukeko!

2 – Te Ara o Whareroa

The Te Ara o Whareroa cycleway from Paekakariki to Raumati is another great family-friendly bike ride we would highly recommend. The track goes through the dunelands of Queen Elizabeth Park right through to Poplar Avenue. It can be accessed at either end and get picked up at the other.

The track itself is an easy ride, mostly sheltered and is not too steep, so the little ones won’t get tired out! It runs along the side of the beach, a truly stunning view on a great day!

3 – Waikanae River

The Waikanae river walk and cycle track is accessible off many roads in Waikanae and runs between SH1 and the beach. The track can vary at different points but is in general very flat and easy to follow. The track is sheltered by all the trees and is wide enough for everybody to fit, walkers, runners, bikers and all.

Due to the number of entrances, you can choose however far you want to go, and exit the track at any time. The track runs right alongside the river – truly beautiful to look at.

4 – The Beach

In our opinion, there isn’t anything better than a trip to the beach on a sunny day. So why not bring your bike? If you are lucky enough to live in Kapiti, then it’s safe to assume you are never far from a beach. Most beaches will have a path you can bike on very close to it, or else you can go and bike on the sand!

Just make sure to wash your bike when you get home…

Was your favourite Kapiti bike ride on the list? Leave us a comment and tell us where your favourite place to cycle is.