Last updated June 2026
The Island Bay Cycleway is a 1.7 km sealed on-road route along The Parade in Island Bay, Wellington’s southernmost beach suburb. It runs between Shorland Park and Wakefield Park and forms part of the city’s growing bike network. The current design includes buffers between the cycle lane and parked cars, plus an extension through the local shopping village.
Practical Information
| Route | Shorland Park to Wakefield Park along The Parade, Island Bay |
| Distance | 1.7 km |
| Surface | Sealed on-road cycling lanes with buffer markings and concrete separators |
| Difficulty | Easy — flat coastal route |
| Cost | Free |
| Connections | Southern Walkway and south coast tracks; Island Bay Beach; CBD via Brooklyn and Newtown routes |
About the Cycleway
The Parade is Island Bay’s main street, running parallel to the southern Wellington coastline. Island Bay is a sheltered bay facing north into Cook Strait, featuring a small boat ramp, rocky beach, and a strong community character with an active Italian-heritage fishing history dating back to the early twentieth century.
The cycleway provides a dedicated lane for cyclists connecting residents to the beach and shopping village. It incorporates a buffer between the cycling lane and parked vehicles, with concrete separators in places for added protection. In some sections the lane runs behind bus shelters at footpath level, keeping cyclists separated from moving traffic while preserving pedestrian and bus access.
Improvements completed in 2022 addressed longstanding safety concerns with wider traffic lanes, better visibility at driveways and intersections, and clearer markings. The shopping village section received upgrades that integrated cycling infrastructure with streetscape improvements.
A Cycleway With History
The Island Bay Cycleway was first installed in 2016 and quickly became one of Wellington’s most debated cycling projects. The original design sparked significant community discussion around parking, traffic flow, and street layout. Multiple redesigns, public consultations, and council decisions followed. Safety improvements and the current separated design were advanced through council committees in 2021 and 2022, with work beginning in March 2022.
The project has served as a reference point in national conversations about urban cycling infrastructure, community engagement, and retrofitting bike lanes on existing suburban streets. The final layout balances cycling connectivity with parking retention.
Island Bay and the South Coast
Island Bay marks the southern end of the Southern Walkway and serves as a gateway to Wellington’s south coast tracks. Walkers and cyclists can continue westward along coastal paths toward Houghton Bay, Owhiro Bay, and Red Rocks through Te Kopahou Reserve. Island Bay Beach offers a small café and boat ramp, while the suburb retains its distinctive coastal village atmosphere.
What Visitors Often Say
Cyclists appreciate the protected lane and buffer that makes riding along The Parade feel safer than sharing the road with traffic. Many note the pleasant coastal views and easy connection to the beach and local shops.
Some residents and visitors mention the route as a useful link for commuting or leisure rides toward the city centre, though a few note that intersections still require extra care.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council Bike Network: official maps and details of the full cycling network including Island Bay connections.
Wellington City Council news: recent updates on safety data and improvements to the Island Bay bike lanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Island Bay Cycleway safe?
The current design includes buffers and concrete separators between the cycle lane and parked or moving vehicles. Council data shows improved safety outcomes since the 2022 upgrades.
How long is the Island Bay Cycleway?
The cycleway measures 1.7 km along The Parade between Shorland Park and Wakefield Park.
Why was the Island Bay Cycleway controversial?
The original 2016 installation generated debate over parking removal and design. Successive redesigns and consultations led to the current version that retains more parking while adding protective buffers.
Can I connect to walking tracks from the cycleway?
Yes. Island Bay is the southern terminus of the Southern Walkway and the starting point for coastal tracks heading west toward Owhiro Bay and Red Rocks.
Is the route suitable for families or beginners?
The flat, sealed surface and separation from traffic make it accessible for a range of riders, including those new to urban cycling.
Are there any restrictions or rules on the cycleway?
Standard road rules apply. Cyclists should give way at intersections and be mindful of pedestrians near bus stops and the shopping area.
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