Last updated May 2026
The Hutt Road Cycleway runs along one of Wellington’s busiest commuter corridors, connecting the city centre to the northern suburbs and Lower Hutt along Hutt Road. Upgraded with a fully separated cycling and pedestrian path and reopened in November 2019, it’s Wellington’s heaviest-used commuter cycling route — part of the larger Te Ara Tupua connection between Wellington CBD and the Hutt Valley.
Practical Information
| Route | Bunny Street (Wellington CBD) to Ngauranga Interchange |
| Distance | Approx. 1.4 km (Hutt Road section) |
| Surface | Sealed, fully separated cycling and pedestrian paths |
| Difficulty | Easy — mostly flat with minor gradient near Ngauranga |
| Cost | Free |
| Connections | Thorndon Quay Cycleway (south to CBD), Te Ara Tupua toward Lower Hutt (north) |
| Usage | 400+ cyclists at peak times; doubled over the past decade |
About the Cycleway
Hutt Road is the main arterial route between Wellington city and the Lower Hutt Valley, carrying heavy vehicle and bus traffic alongside the Hutt railway line. The upgraded cycleway runs as a separated path alongside the road, with cycling and pedestrians in distinct lanes — an improvement on the previous narrow, poorly surfaced shared path that had become a safety concern.
The 2019 upgrade introduced improved lighting, better landscaping, and a real-time cycle counter that has tracked consistent growth in cycling numbers. Over 300 daily commuters use the route from Lower Hutt direction; a further 200 from Khandallah and Ngaio join via connecting routes. Peak hour cycling on Hutt Road is a notable feature of Wellington’s commuter culture.
The route connects at the southern (city) end to the Thorndon Quay Cycleway, which opened in 2025 and carries riders through to Wellington’s central waterfront. At the northern end it transitions toward the Te Ara Tupua project — the harbour-side cycling corridor being built between Ngauranga and Lower Hutt (Petone to Ngauranga section due for completion around 2026).
Te Ara Tupua — The Bigger Picture
The Hutt Road Cycleway is part of Te Ara Tupua — a Waka Kotahi NZTA-led project to create a continuous harbour-edge walking and cycling route between Wellington city and Lower Hutt. The Melling to Petone section (3.5 km) opened in October 2023. The Petone to Ngauranga section (4.5 km) is under construction, with completion expected around 2026. When complete, cyclists will be able to ride the full distance from Wellington CBD to Lower Hutt on a continuous safe path separate from motor traffic.
Where to Learn More
Waka Kotahi — Te Ara Tupua — project overview, construction timeline, and maps for the full Wellington to Lower Hutt walking and cycling corridor.
Wellington City Council — Hutt Road Project — local project details, upgrade history, and connections to the wider cycling network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hutt Road Cycleway safe?
Yes — the 2019 upgrade created a fully separated cycling path away from motor traffic, with dedicated cycling and pedestrian lanes. It replaced a narrow shared path that had been considered inadequate for the number of users.
Can I cycle from Wellington to Lower Hutt on the Hutt Road Cycleway?
The Hutt Road Cycleway connects to the Te Ara Tupua route, which when complete will provide a continuous harbour-edge path to Lower Hutt. Sections are open now; the full connection is expected around 2026.
How many people use the Hutt Road Cycleway?
More than 400 cyclists use the path at peak times, and numbers have doubled over the past decade. It is Wellington’s most heavily used commuter cycling corridor.
What connects to the Hutt Road Cycleway in the city?
The Thorndon Quay Cycleway connects southward to Wellington’s central waterfront. The Hutt Road path begins at Bunny Street near Wellington Railway Station.
See all cycling routes: Cycling Tracks in Wellington
Continuing south through the city: Thorndon Quay Cycleway
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