Cycling
A bicycle is an extremely energy efficient means of transport, fuelled totally by renewable energy: your own! As well as having environmental benefits, cycling is healthy and fun.
Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are taking to their bikes, overcoming the environmental challenges of hills and urban areas designed around cars.
While there is a huge range of bikes and cycling equipment on the market, you don’t need to spend a fortune or wear brightly coloured lycra, so long as you have the essential safety equipment.
On this page
Cycle-friendly cities
New bike lanes and other cycle-friendly initiatives are being introduced across New Zealand. Many organisations are working together to improve safety, by educating both car drivers and cyclists on how to share the roads.
Christchurch City Council aims to make Christchurch ‘the most cycle-friendly city in New Zealand’. Auckland is also developing cycleways across the city.
In Palmerston North, cycling to school, university and work is popular. Wellington’s hilly environment has not prevented the regional council recognising the benefits of cycling for both transport and leisure.
Take action
Add cycling to your daily travel
Key cycling tips
- Make sure your bicycle is fitted with brakes, lights and reflectors that comply with the law.
- Wear your safety helmet.
- Follow the road rules.
Find out more about cycling in your area
Use the resources listed below to find out more about cycling equipment, groups, and maps or contact your local authority to find out what is happening in your area.
More information
Cycling equipment and safety
- Road rules and equipment [Land Transport New Zealand website.]
- Safety information for cyclists [Land Transport NZ website.]
- Beginner’s cycling programme [SPARC Push Play website. ]
Cycling groups
- Bike NZ [Bike NZ cycling organisation website.]
- Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN)
Cycle maps
Check your local council’s website for cycle maps:
- Local council website directory. [Local Government NZ website.]
- Auckland bikes and cycleways [Auckland City Council website.]
- Christchurch city cycling [Christchurch City Council website.]
- Dunedin cycle information [Dunedin City Council website.]
- Hamilton cycle map [Hamilton City Council website.]
- Palmerston North Cycle City [Palmerton North City Council website.]
- Wellington region cycle information [Greater Wellington Council website.]
National planning
- Government’s strategy to advance walking and cycling in New Zealand [Ministry of Transport website.]