Organiser and Leader: David Puddephatt
Cyclists: David Puddephatt (Leader), Kay Wilcocks, Marlene Hiestand, Sue Woolnough, Sheryll Martin, Bob Mawdsley, Catherine Doyle, Sandra Knight, Nancy and Bruce Rankine
Day One Saturday 18th April 2026
Group One – Walk / Drive. Paekakariki Environs and Paraparaumu Mall. Catherine, Kay, Bruce, Nancy, Bob and Sandra
Scribe: Catherine
Man did it rain hard and all night as only Wellington can rain, so it was no surprise in the morning as it was still bucketing down. For some of us there was going to have to be a slight modification to our biking plans. Some riders ventured out while for others the first stop was the Perching Parrot Cafe (named so for its town name Paekakariki – who knew).
A heartwarming steaming coffee and fresh out of the oven cheese scone and then we were ready to attempt a walk on the shoreline path. Head down, we valiantly dodged full tide raging waves, battering winds and sporadic rainfall.
A most invigorating walk. Enough of that, we were back in the warm comfort of the car and a dry tour of the Kapiti Coast. A long leisurely lunch at Paraparaumu and our day was done.
Group Two – Otaki return, 84 kms. Undulating Cycle Expressway, Cycle path, Road. Sue, David, Marlene, Sheryll
Scribe: David
Awoke from extremely heavy downpours through the night. WREMO warned of severe thunderstorm watch over Kapiti.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1E1oaAMWZD/
Morning briefing for ride to Otaki was characterised by “I have a good book”, “I do not like Lightning”, “Not riding in heavy rain”.
But 4 intrepid souls dressed for the conditions and set off at 0915am.
It took 3 attempts to get to the QEII track, because of swollen streams.
By Raumati the rain had stopped and we were cycling into a moderate and warmish breeze.
Along Raumati and Paraparaumu Beach roads onto the EHY Cycleway. Past Waikanae.
Morning Tea at Harrisons Garden Centre, Pekapeka, 1130am.
Visited M. Smisek Kilns historic site en route to Otaki
Rode down old SH1, Otaki past all the outdoor Outlet Shops.
Turned West to Otaki Town Centre and lunch at Café 66.
Past Bank Museum, briefly visited Rangiatea Church.
We departed 2pm South with that warm breeze on our backs.
Rain set in for the last 60 minutes home, arriving wet but not soaked.
Tonight a pot luck dinner centred around Marlene’s Crock Pot simmered Hogget leg
Rounded out by many choosing to watch the Hurricanes play the Chiefs at Paekakariki Hotel.
Mmh another night of heavy rain, will Paekakariki Hill Rd be open for tomorrow?
DAY 2. Sunday 19th April – Paekakariki Hill Rd, Pauatahanui, Porirua, Titahi Bay, Whitireia Park, Ara Harakeke
Scribe: Sheryll
Big hill climb to start the day on leaving Paekakariki. Awesome views to Kapiti Island and coast. Then an exhilarating downhill road to Battle Hill farm- some pet goats, chooks & one lone deer.
Group were fascinated by the goat taking a fancy to Marlene’s strap
Followed roads to small bay where the opposite shore had a row of small beach huts – typical of Torquay in England.
We headed into Porirua & rode lovely coastal track around the foreshore. In places it was muddy and rocky but rideable, and we all got safely through.
Carried on back to Porirua for lunch. Albeit a bit wet but thankfully stopped at a huge, covered plaza where we parked our bikes out of the rain.
Then homeward bound where we encountered knee deep flood waters in the park. Managed to traverse through this before finding our path on other side.
There was a small uphill climb for 10 minutes and down gravelled path to the main coast road which we rode beside most of the way back to Paekakariki
Returned to a scrummy leg of lamb dinner from Marlene, garnished by the team.
Day Three – Monday 20th April – Depart Paekakariki. Book In Wellington Top10, Seaview, Lower Hutt..
Ride Seaview to Eastbourne new Cycle Path, return, 16km
Scribe: Kay
Day 3, time to pack up and say “Ka Kite Ano” to Paekakariki, the Hill of the Perching Parrot, after 3 nights at the Holiday Park, situated in Queen Elizabeth Park.
It had been particularly interesting learning about the connection to the US Marines, 20,000 of which were housed there over W.W.2. Swelling a resident population of 400 training on the local beaches.
Driving into Wellington between the brooding atmospheric hills and the sea, with a foul weather forecast for the next few days we weren’t too sure what to expect.
Arriving at the Wellington Top 10 in Lower Hutt, it was too early to check-in, so we unloaded the bikes and began cycling towards Pencarrow Lighthouse and Baring Head.
Gusting 70 kph, averaging 60 kph. Tide lapping the sea wall with spray.
By the time we got to Eastbourne, we were totally drenched, as the rain got heavier and heavier, and the volume of water pouring off the hillsides steadily increased, deepening the puddles as we splashed on through.
Coffee was beckoning, on Nancy’s recommendation, from Cafe Tartine, which had lovely accommodating staff, a fire, good coffee and food, Under this regime we all perked up, meantime I managed to light up the room by setting fire to my t-shirt, by drying it over the fire.
It had seemed a good idea at the time!
After refreshments, the unanimous decision was to turn tail, and cycle back home.
Some of the group looped via blustery Petone Beach.
The rest back to hot showers and dry clothes were on the agenda.
Showered and rested it was time to check out the dinner options in Petone on a Monday night.
Some lucked in with “The Lone Star” which catered to our needs well.Our group dinner was held there on Friday night and also was excellent.
Day 3 had been a very wet experience but still full of camaraderie and fun.
Thanks, David, for another great day, and all those who helped put together our adventure.
Day Four Tuesday 21st April – Hutt River wet day ride
Scribes: Sue and David
Overnight rough weather with Two Lower Hutt Bridges closed for inspection. Team David What’s App conversation and morning Briefing talked of swollen Hutt River, flooded paths, bridges closed and getting soaked. Alternatives were discussed such as Pataka Gallery, Queens Gate centre, visiting friends and cinema.
Two intrepid souls decided to experience the “day after the storm”.
Tide not too high so under and Seaview Bridges onto eastern side of Hutt River stop bank path.
Some path work in progress around Lower Hutt then plain cycling up to Naenae Café.
Back to the Riverbank on up to Silverstream where the new Whakawhirinaki water pipe / cycle bridge.
Crossing marked our West side return South through a mildly flooded path behind Manor Park onto Avalon and Hutt Valley train Naenae to Waterloo, cycling the last 5 km home
Wonderful dinner Bob made for us. White beans flavoured with Capers, garlic and rocket with Salmon and Salad.
Day 5, Wednesday 22 April – Top 10 Holiday Park Seaview to Miramar Peninsula.
Cycling Distance 41 km + Distance on trains – 26 km = Total 66.5 km, Moving time 3:48
Scribe: Bob
Riders: David (Leader), Kay, Marlene, Sue, Sheryll, Bob, [Catherine and Sandra as far as Petone]
The weather forecast on Wednesday was an improvement on the preceding days: Wind speed was down to only 35 knots, gusting 50 knots from the south, and only occasional showers! We decided to undertake a ride around to Wellington city and Miramar, but to keep to sea level and avoid the higher elevations to avoid the worst of the wind.
We set out at 08:30 and on the first leg from Seaview to the western end of Petone some of the group rode along the relatively sheltered main street of Petone, while some rode along the sea front Petone Esplanade. On the Esplanade it became apparent that bike stability in the wind gusts was a real issue. When the group re-united at the western end of Petone two members of the group decided to return to Seaview, while the rest of the group opted to take a train from Petone into the city to avoid cycling along the shoulder of the Hutt Road with the strong cross wind.
Once in the city we found the Wellington waterfront reasonably sheltered from the southerly wind and had a comfortable ride past Te Papa, the Chaffers Marina and along Oriental Bay.
But once we rounded the corner at Point Jerningham and started onto Evans Bay Parade we met the full force of the southerly, which at times was close to stopping the bike in their tracks. However, we eventually made it to Kilbirnie then detoured around to Lyall Bay where we experienced very strong crosswinds along the Lyall Bay waterfront and Bunnings carpark.
From Lyall Bay we headed downwind toward Miramar, riding through an underpass beneath the airport runway before stopping for lunch at the Roxy theatre in central Miramar, which has been recently reported by Peter Jackson.
With our energy reserves replenished with coffee and brisket and ale pie we rode up and over the Seatoun Heights ridge stopping on the way at a lookout point with views of the airport, Lyall Bay and Mount Victoria. Once down on Karaka Bay Road we enjoyed a southerly tail wind which carried us around Point Halswell and then past Shelly Bay. The Shelley Bay side of the Miramar peninsula was quite sheltered, and after a brief buffeting across the head of Evans Bat we then enjoyed a good tail wind back into the city.
From Wellington city we took the train back out to the Waterloo station at Lower Hutt from where we had a 3 o 4 km ride back to the camp at Seaview, arrive there about 15:30. Travel on the trains (with bikes) was free off-peak with a Gold Card.
Dinner in the evening, for those who eat at camp, was Spanish pork with beans accompanied by salad and red wine, followed by Round 2 of the 5 Crowns championship.
Day Six 23rd April – Seaview, Hutt Valley, Up to Remutaka Summit Siding, return home
Scribe: Sandra
Day 6 dawned a beautiful sunrise and no sign of rain. The full contingent of ten cyclists departed Seaview (Wellington Holiday Park) in near perfect riding conditions albert a little cool 5 degrees.
We navigated the path to the Petone Settlers Museum on the Petone foreshore from where the Hutt River Trail begins. We rode the very scenic path heading north alongside the Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River) to Upper Hutt where we stopped for coffee break.
Back on the trail again to Maymorn where we joined the official start of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
The trail follows the historic rail route and gradually climbs the 10 km to the Summit. We turned on our headlamps to venture through two tunnels – a bonus for me you could see the light at the end of the tunnel – not complete darkness.
Navigating the squeeze bars proved a little tricky, but with great team support all safely through.
The summit was a welcome rest and lunch stop.
Time now for return trip. Pretty much downhill coasting for much of the way.
Five cyclists earned the over 100 km in a day badge clocking up 104 kms.
A few of us boarded the train from Upper Hutt to Woburn – another new experience for me and our total kms were 84.
A super day finished with shared dinner of nachos and all the trimmings prepared by chefs Bruce and Nancy
Day Seven Friday 24th April – Wellington City, Government House and Tour Group Dinner
Scribe: Nancy
Today the weather was fine, and all agreed on a city tour. With some taking their bicycles including first commuting across the harbour on the new electric ferry from Days Bay to the waterfront. Visiting Wellington art galleries, Te Papa and taking a ride in the cable car etc.
In the afternoon we all met up at Government House near The Basin Reserve.
Sue booked a tour, taking advantage of the Open House this week, while the Governor General was away. This was a very informative Tour both inside and out. Displaying a rich, tasteful and cultural showcase of New Zealand’s heritage.
The day ended with a delicious dinner at Lonestar, Petone. Where we chatted about our wonderful cycling trip led by our very capable leader David Puddephatt.