Last updated June 2026
Wheels to Wings – Papanui ki Waiwhetū is a planned major cycleway that will connect Papanui with areas near Christchurch Airport through the suburbs of Bishopdale and Harewood. The route forms part of Christchurch City Council’s Major Cycle Routes network and is designed to provide safer, separated cycling facilities for local trips to schools, shops, parks and workplaces.
At its eastern end it will link directly to the Northern Line cycleway, while the western end will connect via the Johns Road underpass to commercial areas around the airport. Construction is planned to begin in stages later in 2025, subject to funding confirmation.
Practical Information
- Status
- Planned; stage-one construction programmed for later in 2025
- Length
- Approximately 4.5 km along Harewood Road
- Route
- Papanui to Christchurch Airport area via Bishopdale and Harewood
- Key connections
- Northern Line cycleway, future Nor’West Arc, Johns Road underpass
- Features
- Separated cycleways, signalised crossings, intersection upgrades
- Council page
- ccc.govt.nz (Wheels to Wings project)
About the Wheels to Wings Cycleway
The cycleway runs primarily along Harewood Road and is intended to serve both commuting and recreational cyclists in Christchurch’s north-west. It will provide protected infrastructure past local schools, including Harewood School, and improve access to the approximately 7,000 people working on the airport campus and surrounding commercial zones.
Design elements include two-way or one-way separated cycleways, new signalised crossings, upgraded intersections such as Harewood/Gardiners/Breens, and changes to some side-road access to reduce conflicts with turning traffic. Street lighting will be improved along the route, and a net increase in trees is planned despite the removal of some existing trees to accommodate the path.
Public consultation took place in early 2021 with over 1,300 submissions received. The scheme design was approved by Council in 2022 following a hearings process. In December 2024 Council confirmed a staged delivery approach after government funding contributions became unlikely.
Route Sections and Design
The route is divided into sections along Harewood Road. Early sections involve widening shared paths and adding crossings near Waimakariri Road.
The central four-lane section of Harewood Road will be reduced to two lanes to accommodate separated cycleways and maintain some on-street parking. Signalised crossings are planned outside Harewood School and at key points such as Nunweek Boulevard and near Matsons Avenue.
At the Bishopdale Roundabout, new traffic signals at the east and west ends will provide safe crossings for cyclists and pedestrians. Further east, one-way separated cycleways on each side of the road will link to the Northern Line. Parking impacts have been minimised where possible, with time-restricted parking proposed in high-demand areas.
Where to Learn More
Christchurch City Council – Wheels to Wings project page: Latest updates on staging, design and construction timing.
Let’s Talk – Wheels to Wings consultation archive: Consultation documents, maps and community feedback summaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will construction start?
Stage one is programmed to begin later in 2025, with the remaining programme to be confirmed through future Annual or Long Term Plan processes.
Which suburbs does the route pass through?
The cycleway runs through Papanui, Bishopdale and Harewood on its way toward Christchurch Airport.
Will it connect to other cycleways?
Yes, it will link directly to the Northern Line cycleway at its eastern end and to the Johns Road underpass and shared paths at the western end.
What safety features are included?
Separated cycleways, new signalised crossings especially near schools, upgraded intersections and improved street lighting are planned.
Was the community consulted?
Extensive consultation occurred in 2021 with more than 1,300 submissions; the scheme design was approved in 2022 after a hearings panel process.
Will on-street parking be affected?
Some on-street parking will be removed or restricted along parts of Harewood Road, though the design aims to minimise loss while prioritising cyclist safety.
Is funding confirmed?
Government funding contributions are currently unlikely; Council has approved a staged approach to be delivered as funding allows.
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