Urban Shared Paths and Family Rides

Linton Park and Mangakākahi Stream Trail Rotorua: Easy Downhill Family Ride

Last updated November 2026

Following the Mangakākahi Stream through a string of reserves, the Linton Park / Mangakākahi Stream Trail is a smooth, easy shared path that runs from Pukehangi Road down to Sunset Road.

Rotorua Lakes Council lists it among its family-friendly bike rides at 4 km one way, while its urban biking guide gives 3.5 km and about 15 minutes. The council says the ride is mostly downhill from Pukehangi Road. The council suggests making a half day of it with a picnic by the stream.

Practical Information

Start
Pukehangi Road (top end)
Finish
Sunset Road
Other access points
Edmund Road and Goldie Street
Length
4 km one way (family rides page); 3.5 km (urban biking guide)
Riding time
About 15 minutes one way (urban biking guide)
Terrain
Smooth, easy track; mostly downhill from Pukehangi Road
Type
Shared path through several reserves along the stream
Listed by
Rotorua Lakes Council (family-friendly bike rides and urban biking guide)
Status
Check Rotorua Lakes Council’s family-friendly bike rides page for current closures before you ride

Where to find it

Linton Park and Mangakākahi Stream Trail Rotorua
Map of Linton Park and Mangakākahi Stream Trail Rotorua

Get directions

About Linton Park / Mangakākahi Stream Trail

This is a neighbourhood ride with a green thread running through it. The path follows the Mangakākahi Stream through several reserves, and the council describes the track as smooth and easy.

The direction matters. Starting at Pukehangi Road, most of the ride is downhill. The council suggests sending an adult back for the car for an easier one-way trip, or riding there and back if you want more of a challenge.

The council pitches it as a half-day outing, with a picnic on the stream bank. You can also get on or off at Edmund Road and Goldie Street.

Riding with Kids

For a first outing, start at the top on Pukehangi Road so the ride runs mostly downhill, and have someone collect the car from the start, as the council suggests.

The extra entry and exit points at Edmund Road and Goldie Street let you plan a shorter ride. It is a shared path, so keep an eye out for people walking and ride to the conditions.

Where to Learn More

Rotorua Lakes Council: Family-friendly bike rides: the Linton Park / Mangakākahi Stream Trail and the council’s other easy rides.

Rotorua Lakes Council: Urban Biking Guide: the council’s route map, which lists the Mangakākahi Stream/Linton Park shared path at 3.5 km.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the trail start and finish?

It runs from Pukehangi Road to Sunset Road, with extra access at Edmund Road and Goldie Street.

How long is it?

The council’s family rides page says 4 km one way, and its urban biking guide says 3.5 km.

How long does it take to ride?

About 15 minutes one way, according to the urban biking guide.

Is it hilly?

It is mostly downhill from Pukehangi Road. The council suggests riding there and back if you want more challenge.

Which end should we start from?

Pukehangi Road, if you want the downhill direction first.

Is it a good ride for families?

Yes. The council describes it as smooth and easy and suggests a half-day outing with a stream-side picnic.

Can we do it one way?

Yes. The council suggests sending an adult back for the car for an easier one-way trip.

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