Go for a spin on the Uni-Cycle

More than four million cycling trips were made in Ōtautahi Christchurch last year, can we beat that in 2025? Why not go for a ride on the Puari ki Pū-taringa-motu Uni-Cycle .

The Puari ki Pū-taringa-motu Uni-Cycle cycleway is a showstopper.

It was among the first of the Major Cycle Routes to be completed in Christchurch.

The 5.6km Puari ki Pū-taringa-motu cycleway connects Ilam and the University of Canterbury to the Central City, via Mona Vale, Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush and North Hagley Park.

If you’re heading towards the University from Central City, the cycleway starts at Rolleston Avenue, running through North Hagley Park past sail boats floating on Lake Victoria.

Anyone who has cycled or walked through the Park knows that while the 4m wide path is big enough for everyone, it’s a very busy thoroughfare so it’s best to take it easy - keep your speed low and use your bell.

At Deans Avenue, opposite Christchurch Girls’ High School, head across the cycle crossing to Matai Street East.

This area too can be bustling, particularly if you’re in the neighbourhood when school starts or finishes.

At the railway crossing, the Uni-Cycle meets the Northern Line cycleway which can take you right out to Northwood via Strowan and Papanui.

This is also where you can head into Mona Vale to wander through the beautifully curated gardens or take high tea at the Homestead on weekends.

But today we’re staying on Matai Street West and heading through one of the country’s first automated railway crossing gates.

Another crossing takes you over Straven Road to dart past Christchurch Boys’ High School and along Kahu Road into one of Christchurch’s true treasures, Riccarton Bush.

Well not into the bush itself which has a predator proof fence protecting it.

However, you do slip past Riccarton House and Deans Cottage.

This is another great place to stop on weekends particularly to make the most of the Christchurch Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning.

The cycleway cuts into the cul-de-sac of Ngahere Street, meaning bush or forest, before zig-zagging onto native tree-named streets Totara, Miro and finally Hinau.

Sharrows mark the route along the neighbourhood greenway.

You then briefly pop onto Clyde Road and the 12-storey Puaka-James Hight Building comes into view.

You’ve made it to the University of Canterbury campus.

The cycleway runs along University Drive right through until it hits Ilam Road.

Here you’re technically riding on the Nor’West Arc (the latest section of this is currently under construction to the north in Bryndwr).

Once you cross Ilam Road, you’re taken through Ilam Fields.

The 4m width of the shared path means if you’re one of the thousands of students heading to your studies, there’s not much of a battle for space as you ride along the edge of the grass.

You’re almost at the end of your journey as you duck across Waimairi Road to Dovedale Avenue, past the Dovedale Fields.

The final stop on the journey is University’s Dovedale Campus formerly home to the College of Education but has more recently begun  hosting the Bachelor of Digital Screen degree and the Kōawa Commercial Studios.

The cycleway comes to an end at Solway Avenue – if you’re a student, hopefully your flat isn’t too far away!