Last updated June 2026
The Willis Street and Victoria Street Cycleway forms part of Wellington’s central city cycling network, offering on-road lanes and connections through the CBD between Courtenay Place and the waterfront. It provides a practical north-south route for cyclists navigating the commercial core along two key streets. The infrastructure includes painted lanes and shared bus facilities in places, helping link residential areas to the waterfront corridor. Wellington City Council continues to develop these connections as part of the broader Paneke Pōneke Bike Network Plan.
Practical Information
| Route | Willis Street from Courtenay Place area north to Victoria Street toward the waterfront |
| Surface | On-road painted cycle lanes and shared facilities in the CBD |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate — intersections, buses and pedestrian activity |
| Cost | Free |
| Connections | Wellington Waterfront Shared Path and wider CBD cycling network |
About the Route
Willis Street serves as one of Wellington’s primary north-south commercial corridors, running from the southern CBD near Courtenay Place toward Lambton Quay and the waterfront. Cycling facilities along this corridor and the parallel Victoria Street provide on-road options for riders moving through the inner city, where vehicle traffic, buses and parking create a busy environment.
Victoria Street offers an alternative alignment through Te Aro, forming part of the council’s strategic bike network. Together these streets address a key north-south gap identified in earlier transport planning, connecting eastern and northern parts of the central city.
The routes use a mix of painted lanes and shared bus-priority sections rather than fully separated paths. They suit confident urban cyclists comfortable sharing space with traffic at intersections.
Cycling in Wellington’s CBD
Wellington’s compact CBD keeps distances short, with the waterfront to Courtenay Place under 2 km. Busy intersections, bus movements and parked vehicles make on-road cycling here more demanding than the off-road waterfront paths. Riders new to city conditions may prefer the waterfront shared path for north-south travel.
Council upgrades form part of the urban cycleways programme, with ongoing work to improve safety and connectivity across the central city. Some sections remain painted lanes while the network develops further.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council Bike Network: Interactive map of completed, under-construction and planned cycling routes across the CBD and suburbs.
Wellington City Council Transport: Official updates on bike network progress, sensors and current projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Willis Street and Victoria Street route suitable for beginners?
The on-road lanes involve intersections, buses and traffic in a busy CBD setting. They suit confident urban cyclists. The waterfront shared path offers a calmer alternative for casual or family rides.
Does it connect to the waterfront?
Yes. The northern end links to the Wellington Waterfront Shared Path, while the southern end connects into the Te Aro cycling network.
Is bike parking available nearby?
Wellington City Council provides bike parking racks at multiple CBD locations. Current details appear on the council transport pages.
Are the lanes separated from traffic?
Most sections use painted on-road lanes or shared bus facilities rather than physical separation. Protected infrastructure is planned or under development in parts of the central city.
What is the best time to ride this route?
Off-peak hours reduce bus and vehicle volumes. Weekday mornings and evenings see higher traffic and bus activity.
Are there any restrictions or one-way rules?
Some connecting streets have one-way restrictions with contraflow cycle provisions in places. Check signage and the council bike map for current details.
For more cycling routes in Wellington, see the Cycling Tracks in Wellington hub or related stops at Wellington CBD Cycle Lanes and Wellington Waterfront Shared Path.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.