This is the only section of the Great Harbour Way that does not follow the harbour edge. There is a nice separated bi-directional cycle path along Thorndon Quay, but care must be taken with vehicles going in and out of car parks at the businesses along the way. The route continues along a narrow, shared path along the Hutt Road. This is busy with cyclist at commuter times. If this route does not appeal, you can instead take the bus or train from Wellington to Ngauranga.
(To be completed)
Distance: 7km
Time to walk: about 1.5 hour
Time to ride: 20 to 30 minutes
Grade: 1 (easy), sealed path
Route map & video
Video showing the route from the Wellington Waterfront to Ngauranga
Points of interest along the route
Stadium link
The route takes you over the promenade by the Hnry Stadium, giving you a nice view back over the city.
Thistle Inn
Where the route comes down from the Stadium Link on to Thorndon Quay, you can see the Thistle Inn, Wellington’s oldest pub – built in 1840. The painting on the left was done around 1843, showing the inn at the time of early settlement. These days the Thistle Inn is a popular place for lunch, dinner and drinks.
Pipitea Marea and Pa
Along Thorndon Quay is the Pipitea Marae, built in the early 1980s to cater for the growing demand of an urban Maori population in the Wellington region. It’s a place where traditional Maori customs are keenly observed, but where people of all iwi and all races meet. The land above the marae is where the Pipitea Pa once stood, a site of great significance to the Maori of Wellington. Overlooking the beach, close to fresh water and cultivation supplies, the pa was originally home to the Ngati Mutunga people who journeyed south from Taranaki in 1824.
Services along the route
iRide bike shop
242 Thorndon Quay, phone 04 471 1299
Need to get your bike repaired or tires pumped up, then pop in to iRide.
The Thistle Inn
Historic pub offering gastro-pub meals, craft beer, and local wines in New Zealand’s oldest operating tavern site.
Location: 3 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon
Google review rating: 4.5
Price range: $$ (mid-range, $25–$45 per person for a main meal and drink)
Le Marché Français Deli
Relaxed bistro serving salads, quiche & other French fare, plus an adjacent deli & cheese shop.
262 Thorndon Quay
Google review rating: 4.5
Price range: $$ (mid-range, $15-$35 per person for a coffee and light lunch meal)
La Cloche French Bakery
Authentic French bistro and patisserie serving freshly baked French pastries, baguettes, classic galettes, croque monsieurs, and savory tarts alongside rich coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.
134 Hutt Road
Google review rating: 4.5
Price range: $$ (mid-range, $25-$35 per person for a lunch meal paired with a coffee)
Warnings
Busy Thorndon Quay
Be careful of service vehicles, pedestrians crossing, and of fast cyclists as you bike along Thorndon Quay.
Narrow Hutt Road shared path
Take care of other cyclists and walkers as you travel along this shared path and be mindful that this tends to be busy with fast travelling cyclists at commuter times. Stay left. Cyclists should ring their bell or call out when passing walkers.