Get illuminated by the Ātea a Rangi – Star Compass

Located in Waitangi Regional Park is the stunning Ātea a Rangi or traditional celestial Star Compass. Learn through fascinating interpretation panels how the celestial bodies move through our seasons and how they are used in traditional navigation of waka.

Or, maybe try a night ride and see the compass glow and the brilliant stars shine in the heavens.

Directions: Ātea a Rangi is located on the Pacific Coast section of the Water Ride, just south of Awatoto and approximately 9km from the Napier i-SITE visitor centre – you can't miss it!

Ātea a Rangi / Star Compass – passing on traditional knowledge within Aotearoa New Zealand and Te Moananui a Kiwa, the Great Ocean of Kiwa (Lee Slater)

Ātea a Rangi glowing at night (Te Kaha Robb).

Te Kauwae a Māui/Cape Kidnappers – an Aotearoa New Zealand icon

This Great Ride offers spectacular views across Hawke Bay to Te Kauwae a Māui/Cape Kidnappers. Did you know this is Māui’s hook? Legend has it when demigod Māui fished up the North Island/Te ika a Māui, he is said to have used a hook made from the jawbone of his grandmother, Murirangawhenua. The curve of Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui represents the hook, and is also known as Te Matau-a-Māui (Māui’s fish hook).

Directions: Te Kauwae a Māui/Cape Kidnappers can be viewed from numerous vantage points along the Pacific Coast on the Water Ride and Landscape Ride sections.

Happy cyclists near Clive with Te Kauwae a Maui/Cape Kidnappers in the background (Hawke's Bay Trails).

Fuel up on the Bay's famous donuts!

Wherever you are on the trails, you're never that far away from delicious donuts – filled with? Locals know of this secret epicurean delight, the perfect indulgent fuel when you stop off at one of the many cafes on or near the trails. From Red Bridge Coffee's custard-filled pastries in the south to Mr D’s adult versions in the north – hungry bikers will be rewarded.

Delicious Hawke's Bay donuts – breakfast (lunch and afternoon tea) of champions!

Download the Great Rides App

This awesome (and free) app will help you locate this Great Ride's hidden secrets, and track your adventure using GPS (no mobile signal required). It also has maps, trail descriptions and info on trail services. 

Download the app from:

 

Find out more about the Hawke's Bay Trails here.