iWay Napier is the umbrella name for Napier’s substantial urban walking and cycling network — the council programme that has progressively built and connected the city’s separated paths into a single integrated system. The iWay routes link Marine Parade, Ahuriri, Park Island, Greenmeadows, Taradale and the suburbs with each other and with the wider Hawke’s Bay Trails / Great Ride regional network. Almost entirely flat, mostly sealed, mostly off-road — the iWay is the practical reason Napier is one of New Zealand’s leading cycling cities.
Practical Information
| Network | Urban Napier walking and cycling paths; integrated with the 200 km Hawke’s Bay Trails network |
| Surface | Concrete, lime-sand and timber boardwalks; mostly 2.5–3.5 m wide, all-weather |
| Difficulty | Easy — flat throughout the urban Napier area |
| Signage | Green and yellow iWay / Hawke’s Bay Trails signs at junctions |
| Cost | Free |
| Access | Fully wheelchair- and pram-accessible throughout the sealed sections |
| Bike hire | Available from multiple operators in central Napier and Ahuriri |
| Best for | Commuting, family rides, e-bike day trips, longer recreational rides |
About iWay Napier
The iWay programme is the Napier City Council umbrella for the city’s walking and cycling network — a substantial multi-year programme of building and joining up separated shared paths so that you can move across the city without ever needing to ride on a major road. The signposted network covers the Napier-funded urban paths plus the connections into the wider Hawke’s Bay Trails regional system funded jointly by Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
The combined network — iWay plus Hawke’s Bay Trails — covers around 200 km of mostly flat off-road paths and is one of Ngā Haerenga / 22 NZ Cycle Trails Great Rides. It’s also the largest substantively-flat cycle network in New Zealand, suited to riders of any age and ability.
Core Napier iWay Routes
| Marine Parade Walkway | 3 km coastal path along the central foreshore |
| Ahuriri Estuary to Iron Pot | 4 km estuary loop with boardwalks and bird viewing |
| Prebensen Drive Path | 3 km connector through Park Island linking Tamatea and Greenmeadows |
| Rotary Pathway | 25 km network linking central Napier with Taradale and the suburbs |
| Napier City Loop | 38 km signposted city loop combining the above |
| Hawke’s Bay Trails Water Ride | Regional ride connecting Napier–Hastings via the coast |
| Landscapes Ride | Inland regional ride passing through wineries and farmland |
Most riders combine 2–3 of these routes into a half-day or full-day ride. The signposted Napier City Loop is the classic introduction to the network.
Connecting to the Regional Network
The iWay network connects seamlessly to the wider Hawke’s Bay Trails at multiple points — at Pandora (estuary), at Westshore (coast), at Park Island (inland), at Taradale (winery corridor). The regional Great Ride extends the riding well beyond the Napier urban area:
- Water Ride — coastal route between Napier and Clive/Haumoana
- Landscapes Ride — inland route through farmland and wineries
- Wineries Ride — combined ride taking in Mission Estate, Church Road, Black Barn, Te Mata Estate and more
- Tukituki Loop — substantial loop south through the Tukituki Valley
Most regional rides start or end at the central Napier iWay network, so the urban paths function as the spine of the wider Hawke’s Bay riding experience.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers consistently rate the wider iWay / Hawke’s Bay Trails network as one of New Zealand’s best easy-cycling regions — 200 km of mostly flat off-road sealed paths, well-signposted, and remarkably connected for an urban-and-rural network of that scale. The combination of city, estuary, coast and winery riding gets mentioned as the standout feature.
Most-mentioned practical tip: pick a section to suit your time and fitness rather than trying to ride everything. The 38 km City Loop is a substantial half-day; the Marine Parade and Ahuriri Estuary sections are easy 1–2 hour rides; the longer Tukituki and Wineries rides need a full day plus e-bike support.
Where to Learn More
Napier City Council — iWay Napier — council programme page covering the urban network’s history, current extensions and route map.
Hawke’s Bay Trails — Ride Our Trails — official site for the regional Great Ride network with maps and route options.
NZ Cycle Trail — Hawke’s Bay Trails — Great Ride profile with grading, connections and downloadable maps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the iWay in Napier?
iWay is the umbrella name for Napier City Council’s separated walking and cycling path network, integrated with the wider Hawke’s Bay Trails Great Ride.
How long is the Napier iWay network?
The urban Napier sections cover dozens of km; combined with the Hawke’s Bay Trails the total network is around 200 km of mostly flat off-road paths.
Is the Napier iWay free to use?
Yes — all paths are free, public council and regional council infrastructure.
Is the iWay suitable for kids and beginners?
Yes — the urban sections are flat, sealed, mostly separated from traffic. Excellent for family riding.
Where can I hire a bike on the Napier iWay network?
Multiple operators in central Napier and Ahuriri hire bikes and e-bikes; some offer guided tours of iWay routes.
What’s the difference between iWay and Hawke’s Bay Trails?
iWay is the urban Napier-funded portion; Hawke’s Bay Trails is the wider regional Great Ride. They share the same routes in many places and are signposted as a single network.
Are dogs allowed on the iWay paths in Napier?
Yes — on lead in most sections. The Ahuriri Estuary section has stricter rules because of nesting birds.
See all Napier cycling options in the cycling tracks hub. Start with the popular Marine Parade Walkway or the Rotary Pathway.
