Review of the Papamoa, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui Trail (by Charlie Davey, E-bike Social Riders Hawkes Bay) – This particular trail is one of the rides that the group are riding in November 2020 as part of the “Great Northern Tour”.  An opportunity to ride this trail prior to the group tour arose so the opportunity was taken. The ride starts from the roundabout Tweed Street – Oceanbeach Rd Mt Maunganui. The loop is ridden in a clockwise direction.

Section 1 Oceanbeach Rd to Parton St. Est Distance 14 kms
The section from our November the Blue Haven Motel at 10 Tweed St to the Tweed St – Oceanbeach Rd roundabout does not form part of this review.
This first section follows Oceanbeach Rd to Yale St to Papamoa Beach Rd to Parton Rd is all on road riding. Care is required along Oceanbeach Rd which is a popular parking spot. Unfortunately the parks are angle parks so the rider needs to be aware of reversing cars. At the time of our ride the traffic was light but constant. This is a suburban ride with views of the ocean and some beautiful homes.
We thought it may be best to ride in two groups in single file to allow traffic the chance to pull in behind the leading group.

Section 2. Parton St to Bayfair Shopping Mall Est Distance 8 kms.
There is a shared pathway on the right of Parton St immediately opposite Westhill Lane. The pathway is recorded as the Papamoa Main Drain East Walkway and runs through a green belt to Pacific View Rd. The pathway surface is rolled clay with a covering of gravel. The terrain is mainly flat with a number of timber bridges. There are some beautiful homes that front the reserve. The pathway is popular with dog walkers so care is required.
There are a number of road crossings so care is required when crossing the road. The continuing pathway is visible from across the road, however we should have regular regroups. The main regroup needs to be at Pacific View Rd.
Pacific View Rd to the Bayfair Shopping Centre requires riding on the street.
The Bayfair Shopping Centre provides an opportunity for a toilet stop or the first coffee of the day (Note Tauranga is only 7 kms away).

Section 3 Bayfair Shopping Centre to the Strand Tauranga. Est Distance 7 kms.
Skirting around the Bayfair Shopping Centre car park (Shared Pathway) to the subway adjacent to the Bayfair Shopping Centre sign on Maunganui Rd. The subway only takes you to the middle of the road. The other two lanes need to be crossed via an uncontrolled pathway crossing. After crossing the road turn left and follow the shared pathway to Matapihi Rd.
The concrete shared pathway leads through open countryside and market gardens. The pathway is surprisingly rolling. The concrete pathway leads to the Tauranga Harbour. At the end of the road the trail turns right and parallels the railway line. The first trail crossing of the harbour is via the rail bridge. The rail bridge trail section provides good views of Tauranga and up to Mt Maunganui.
The trail leads to the Strand. There is untold number of places for lunch including Bobby’s Fish Market on the Strand.
There are also toilets on the Strand.

Section 4 The Strand to the Marina Est Distance 4 kms.
This section includes a shared pathway to the road bridge and a suburban streets.
Leaving The Strand along the concrete shared pathway the pathway leads the rider under the Trinity Wharf Hotel . The headroom appears to be amazingly low and even I ducked !
After the road bridge it is possible to ride to the end of the marina. This is also the start point to the Bethlehem Cycle Way which begins with an interesting bridge which is worth a ride over. The pathway leads onto Bethlehem and beyond. This section was not ridden.
At the end of the marina there is a café with plenty of cycle parks.

Section 5 Marina to Mt Maunganui. Est Distance 10 kms.
U turn and return to the shared pathway bridge on ramp.
The concrete shared pathway over the bridge continues to Totara St. The shared pathway is a two direction pathway and has a speed limit of 15 kms.
There are great views in all directions from the bridge. It would be a good idea to ride over the bridge in small groups to allow riders to stop and take photos without too much inconvenience for other pathway user.
At Totara St turn left and ride on the painted cycle lane. Totara St is a busy road and single file riding is a must. Fortunately the volumes of traffic keep the speed of the traffic below the 60 kph limit.
At the end of Totara St turn left and then right to Coronation Park. This short section is on the road.
Crossing Coronation Park (No Pathway) to The Mall and follow the coast. The Mall leads to the base of Mt Maunganui. This section of the ride is on the road and care is required. There is a walkway adjacent to the road but no cycling is allowed on the walkway.
There are numerous places to eat and drink on this section. There are also plenty of toilets.

Section 6 Mt Maunganui to Tweed St. Est Distance 5 kms
This final section is along the road. There are views of the beach and once again care is required around traffic.
Our total ride distance was 48 Kms.

Learnings
• Care is required when riding amongst traffic.
• Riding in a group will require the group to consider other road / pathway users.

Closeout
This ride requires riding on the road to link up the loop. However the highlights and views of the harbour, bridges, Mt Maunganui, green belt, houses and ocean make this ride unique and well worth doing.
There are numerus places to stop for coffee, food, wine or cider. I think this ride will initiate a seriously social culture for the tour.

Bay of Plenty Trail: Papamoa to Mount Loop  

Strava:   https://strava.app.link/VXZ3hLm0Q8

Total Distance 48 Kms (Includes optional loops).

Trail Grade  1. Note: There are some sections of this ride on busy roads and streets, riders need to be road riding confident.

Click HERE to download PDF file of this ride.