Beyond the Basics: Epic Cycling Routes in Taranaki

If you’re a confident rider looking for your next adventure, New Plymouth and the wider Taranaki region should be high on your list. Here, you can pedal along wild coastal roads, climb into rugged hill country, carve through forested singletrack, and roll into small towns with big personalities.

Basing yourself at Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park puts you right on the city’s edge, with panoramic ocean views and direct access to routes that can challenge your stamina and reward you with epic scenery. Whether you’ve got a single afternoon or a few days to spare, Taranaki delivers.

Coastal Warm-Up Loops

Before you launch into multi-day epics, stretch your legs with one of the region’s longer day loops. The Paritutu–Centennial Park loop (~34 km / 21 mi) starts from the New Plymouth coastline and takes in the Coastal Walkway before heading inland through parks and suburban hills. It’s a great way to get a feel for the terrain—expect some short climbs, smooth asphalt, and sea views that will have you pulling over for photos.

Another solid option is the Marfell–Coastal Route loop (~34 km), which blends quiet back streets with the waterfront path. Both are intermediate in difficulty and can be completed in a couple of hours, making them ideal for a morning ride before an afternoon swim or city exploration.

Lake Mangamahoe – Singletrack and XC Challenges

Just 15 minutes from Belt Road, Lake Mangamahoe Mountain Bike Park is the go-to for local riders. It’s a mix of forestry roads, scenic lake loops, and purpose-built singletrack, with trails graded from easy to advanced. Intermediate riders will enjoy the undulating Blue Route, while advanced riders can tackle longer XC loops or the technical downhill runs.

The park’s forested trails are a world away from the coastal routes—think tight corners, short punchy climbs, and the smell of pine in the air. It’s also a great spot to test gear and pacing before heading out on a longer tour.

The Forgotten World Highway (SH43)

If there’s one route that defines adventure riding in Taranaki, it’s the Forgotten World Highway. This 148 km heritage road from Taumarunui to New Plymouth weaves through historic settlements, rugged gorges, and dramatic saddles. It’s a mix of sealed and unsealed sections, with steep climbs, sweeping descents, and almost no traffic.

Key highlights:

Moki Tunnel – also known as the “Hobbit’s Hole”, this 180 m single-lane tunnel is carved through solid rock.
Whangamomona – the famously self-declared “Republic”, where you can stamp your passport at the local pub.
Tahora Saddle – panoramic views over the central North Island’s mountain ranges.

Most cyclists tackle it over two or three days, staying overnight in Whangamomona or camping along the way. You’ll want a touring or gravel bike, plenty of supplies, and a good sense of adventure.

Stratford to New Plymouth Loop via Pukeiti

For a challenging but achievable day ride, try the Stratford–Pukeiti–New Plymouth loop (~86 km). From Stratford, you skirt the lower slopes of Mount Taranaki, pass through rolling farmland, and climb into lush rainforest on the way to Pukeiti Gardens. This renowned garden is home to rhododendrons, tree ferns, and elevated walkways—worth stopping for a coffee and a wander.

The ride finishes with a thrilling descent into New Plymouth, where Belt Road’s ocean-view cabins or campsites await. This loop offers a perfect blend of climbing, scenery, and rewarding downhill stretches.

Multi-Day Ride Suggestions

If you’ve got more time, you can link multiple rides for a true cycle-touring holiday:

Day 1: Warm-up with a coastal loop or Lake Mangamahoe singletrack session.
Day 2–3: Tackle the Forgotten World Highway, staying overnight in Whangamomona.
Day 4: Return to New Plymouth via Stratford, detouring to Pukeiti for a garden break.
Day 5: Optional rest day—stroll along the Coastal Walkway or explore the city’s galleries and eateries before heading home.

This style of trip lets you experience both the raw remoteness of inland Taranaki and the vibrant coastal culture of New Plymouth.

Practical Advice for Advanced Riders

Bike Choice: Road, gravel, or mountain bike depending on route - gravel tyres are a good all-rounder if you’re mixing surfaces.
Weather Awareness: Taranaki’s climate can change quickly, especially on mountain slopes. Always pack layers and a rain shell.
Navigation: Many routes are well-signposted, but remote sections (like SH43) benefit from GPS mapping or a downloaded offline map.
Refuelling: Towns can be few and far between - carry enough food and water for at least half a day’s riding.
Local Etiquette: Roads are generally quiet, but rural drivers move fast - ride single file where possible.

Why Belt Road is the Ideal Base

Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park isn’t just a place to rest your head - it’s part of the experience. Perched above the Tasman Sea, it offers panoramic sunsets, secure bike storage, and easy access to both coastal and inland routes. After a long day’s ride, you can relax in comfort, watch the waves, and plan the next leg of your Taranaki cycling adventure.

The Bottom Line

For intermediate to advanced riders, Taranaki offers something special: challenging terrain wrapped in stunning scenery, all within reach of a vibrant coastal city. From technical singletrack to multi-day road epics, every ride comes with a healthy dose of wild beauty and Kiwi charm.

Bring your bike, bring your legs, and base yourself at Belt Road - you’ll leave with stories worth telling and a riding experience that’s pure New Zealand.