This article is a recommendation of a place for kids and beginners to ride a bike safely, from a Bike Auckland volunteer. Last updated July 2018.
Tole Reserve in Ponsonby has a teensy-tiny ride track for really small riders and scooters.
There is an adjacent playground, and a wee free library for parents to browse (bring a book, take a book).
There’s a long smooth path through the park and a natural amphitheatre to play in, and toilets are accessible at the Ponsonby Community Centre on Ponsonby Terrace, which backs onto the park.
(There’s also a gnarly vintage skatebowl – fun to watch teenagers doing skateboard and BMX tricks, but the bowl itself is not for the fainthearted!)
You can find other places that are suitable for kids and beginners to ride bikes, as recommended by Bike Auckland volunteers at the link below:
https://www.bikeauckland.org.nz/rides-for-kids/
Ride details
Suitable for
- Absolute Beginner
- Learner (balance bike, trainer wheels)
- Confident child (pedal bike - no trainer wheels)
- Scooter
Time
15 min
Steep sections
Yes, but you can easily avoid those areas
Infrastructure
Amenities
- Toilets
- Playground
Parking
Clarence Street is probably the best option, as its further away from Ponsonby Road. Next most likely is probably Ponsonby Terrace. If you can nab a spot on Tole Street, its very convenient and you'll be close to Ponsonby Road.
Other
Skatebowl
Location
Area
Central Auckland
Getting there
- Bike
- Drive
Weather dependent
No
Kids visible at all times?
No
Suitable for multiple kids
Maybe
Watch out for
The skate bowl! It looks like lots of fun for the teenagers and adults doing their tricks, but too gnarly for the littlies.
Tips from the local
Bring a book to swap at the little library, and after a bike ride and play at the playground, head up Tole Street to Ponsonby Road for some retail therapy or a meal.
Map marker
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