The Island Bay Cycleway runs 1.7 km along The Parade in Island Bay — Wellington’s southernmost beach suburb — between Shorland Park and Wakefield Park. One of Wellington’s most debated cycling projects, the cycleway has been through multiple redesigns since it was first installed, and the current version represents a settled design that includes a buffer between parked cars and the cycling lane and an extension through the Island Bay 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 |
| Difficulty | Easy — flat coastal route |
| Cost | Free |
| Connections | South coast walking 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 itself is a sheltered bay facing north into Cook Strait, with a small boat ramp, a rocky beach, and a strong community character. The cycleway connects local residents to the beach and the shopping village on a dedicated lane, with a 0.6-metre buffer between the cycling lane and parked vehicles — widening to 1.2 metres adjacent to mobility car parks.
The lane design runs behind bus shelters in places, where cyclists pass on a dedicated section at footpath level while the bus shelter sits on an island. This approach — used in several sections along The Parade — keeps cycling away from moving traffic while maintaining pedestrian and bus access.
The cycleway was extended through the Island Bay shopping village as part of a 2022-2023 upgrade that integrated cycling infrastructure with broader streetscape and landscaping improvements, upgrading the shopping strip and improving the cycling experience through the commercial centre.
A Cycleway With History
The Island Bay Cycleway has had one of the more turbulent histories of any cycling project in New Zealand. First installed in 2016, it generated significant community debate about parking, traffic, and design. The original design was removed and redesigned — a process that involved multiple public consultations, council votes, and national media coverage. The current design was approved by Wellington City Council’s Regulatory Processes Committee in December 2022.
The Island Bay experience became a reference point in national discussions about urban cycling infrastructure, community consultation processes, and the challenges of retrofitting cycling lanes onto existing suburban streets. The final design reflects a compromise between cycling connectivity and parking retention that proved acceptable to the majority of affected parties.
Island Bay and the South Coast
Island Bay is the starting (or finishing) point for Wellington’s south coast walking tracks. The South Coast Track runs westward from Island Bay toward Houghton Bay, Owhiro Bay, and eventually Red Rocks — a spectacular coastal walkway entirely different in character from the harbour-side cycling routes. Island Bay Beach itself has a small café and boat ramp, and the suburb has an active Italian-heritage fishing community that has shaped its character since the early twentieth century.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Bike Network — full cycling network map showing Island Bay connections and routes to the CBD.
Wikipedia — Cycling in Wellington — background on Wellington’s cycling history and the Island Bay cycleway saga in the context of the wider network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Island Bay Cycleway safe?
Yes — the current design includes a buffer between the cycling lane and parked cars to reduce the door-zone risk, and the lane is separated from moving traffic. It is a relatively straightforward urban cycling route.
How long is the Island Bay Cycleway?
The cycleway is 1.7 km, running along The Parade between Shorland Park and Wakefield Park.
Why was the Island Bay Cycleway controversial?
The original 2016 design removed parking along The Parade and generated strong opposition from some residents and businesses. After multiple redesigns and council debates, the current version was approved in December 2022 and includes parking retention and a buffer design that addressed most of the concerns.
Can I get to the south coast walking tracks from the Island Bay Cycleway?
Yes — Island Bay is the eastern starting point for Wellington’s south coast walkways. The South Coast Track runs west from Island Bay toward Owhiro Bay and Red Rocks.
See all cycling routes: Cycling Tracks in Wellington
Waterfront cycling: Wellington Waterfront Shared Path