Auckland: Five of the best cycle tracks

The new Grafton Gully Cycleway makes getting around Auckland on two wheels a breeze. Photo / Chris Gorman

Some spring adventures around Auckland on two wheels.

1. Grafton Gully to Beach Road

After the speeches have finished (yep, every politician within shouting distance is claiming credit for this one) the newest piece of Auckland's cycling jigsaw opens today.

From the top of Upper Queen St, you can now zig-zag from the north western cycleway, courtesy of snazzy bike-activated lights, on to the shiny new track beside the motorway all the way through Grafton Gully. Scoot off at Wellesley St to reach the university and CBD or carry on through the 620 metre-long separated cycleway along Beach Rd. Cross Quay St and you're on the waterfront cycle lane. Here's to the start of safer city cycling.

Further information: See Beach Road Walking and Cycling Project and Grafton Gully Cycleway.

2. North Western

To head out of town instead, go west from Upper Queen St along the original northwestern cycleway. On two wheels you can pause around Avondale/Waterview to figure out the tremendous roadworks that will link through the Waterview Tunnel - all a bit of blur when you whizz past in a car. Energetic sorts can go all the way to Te Atatu for good coffee and eats.

3. Orewa

Now that it is no longer bisected by a thundering state highway, Orewa is reverting to its old-time beachside peace. The Millennium Walkway, a flat circuit easy enough for strollers and wheelchairs, is a great loop from Orewa estuary bridge through board walks, pretty nature and residential areas. And, naturally, great icecream stops for the first tastes of summer.

4. Devonport to Takapuna Green Route

One of the first dedicated off-road cycleways, this gentle 6km green route completely avoids Lake Rd. Some of the corners and boardwalks are a little tight on a bike, and you have to watch out for walkers, but the parks, mangroves and calm streets are a joy. Divert off at Eversleigh Road to indulge at Little and Friday's fab cafe.

5. Pakuranga to Bucklands Beach

The original Rotary shared path - conceived back in the 1970s - is now a glorious waterside bike path from Panmure Bridge at Pakuranga Highway 9km to Prince Regent Drive then on through Half Moon Bay and the coastal boardwalk to Bucklands Beach. There are some zig-zags off-road, but it is well signposted, with terrific views of the Tamaki River.