The Aro Valley Cycleway is a separated bike route running along Aro Street and Raroa Road, connecting the western suburbs of Karori, Highbury and Kelburn to the central city. Part of Wellington’s Paneke Pōneke bike network plan, the route opened in stages from April 2023 and gives cyclists a safer, lower-stress way to travel between Aro Valley and the CBD without mixing with through traffic.
Practical Information
| Route | Aro Street and Raroa Road, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Connects | Karori / Highbury / Kelburn to central Wellington |
| Surface | Sealed, with separated lane markings |
| Speed zone | 30 km/h (extended zone along Aro St) |
| Cost | Free |
| Opens | Stage 1 from April 2023 |
About the Cycleway
Aro Valley sits in a steep-sided valley running southwest from the city centre, and Aro Street is one of the key arteries connecting it to the CBD. The Aro Valley Cycleway project created separated cycling infrastructure along Aro Street and Raroa Road, along with cycling connections on Kaiwharawhara Road and Crofton Road serving the Ngaio side of the network.
The project was consulted on alongside proposed changes to the Ngaio Gorge corridor. Of the 815 people who gave feedback, 69% were in support or strong support. Delivery started in April 2023 in two stages, with Aro Street and Raroa Road forming the primary commuter corridor into the city.
Alongside the cycleway, the 30 km/h speed zone was extended along Aro Street, a new raised pedestrian crossing added near Aro Park, and speed platforms installed at key junctions — improving safety for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers alike.
The Paneke Pōneke Network
The Aro Valley Cycleway is a primary route in Wellington’s Paneke Pōneke 10-year bike network — the citywide plan to build a connected, low-stress cycling grid. The Aro Street route links directly to the Brooklyn Road Uphill Cycleway heading south toward Brooklyn, and connects toward planned future routes reaching further into Karori. On the city end, it joins the Willis Street and Victoria Street cycleway network through the CBD.
The aim of the broader network is to make cycling a genuine option for everyday trips — not just for confident riders, but for people who would cycle if the infrastructure felt safe enough.
Where to Learn More
Aro Valley Connections — WCC Transport Projects has full details on the cycleway scope, design decisions and timeline.
Paneke Pōneke Bike Network Plan — Wellington City Council explains the citywide strategy the Aro Valley route feeds into.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Aro Valley Cycleway start and end?
The main corridor runs along Aro Street and Raroa Road, connecting Aro Valley and Highbury to central Wellington. It links to other city cycleways at the CBD end.
When did it open?
Stage 1 opened from April 2023, with delivery in two stages as part of the broader Aro Valley connections project.
Is it suitable for beginners?
The route follows Aro Street which has a gentle gradient for most of its length. The 30 km/h zone and separated infrastructure makes it more accessible than riding on mixed traffic roads.
Does it connect to the Brooklyn Road Cycleway?
Yes — the Aro Valley route connects to the Brooklyn Road Uphill Cycleway, which extends the network further toward the Brooklyn suburb.
Is there parking nearby?
Aro Valley has on-street parking along Aro Street. Many cyclists access the route directly from surrounding suburbs.
Are e-bikes suitable?
Yes — the separated lanes work well for e-bikes, and the 30 km/h zone keeps traffic speeds manageable throughout.
The Aro Valley Cycleway is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. Also worth knowing: the Brooklyn Road Uphill Cycleway extends south, and the Willis Street and Victoria Street Cycleway connects through the CBD.