19/04/2026
In the 1880s, cycling in Auckland looked a little different.
Think penny farthings, racing laps at the Auckland Domain, and club uniforms with peakless hats.
These days?
Safer bikes, more riders, and support from Bike Hubs to help you get rolling.
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In the 1880s, bike clubs sprang up around New Zealand and were especially popular with younger men. Possibly because bikes such as the High Wheeler, aka the Penny Farthing, were lightweight, fast, and there was an element of danger in racing them. Auckland had its own bike clubs, including the Waitematā Bicycle Club (members pictured here) formed in 1883. Bikes were raced, and long distance treks held, and the club uniform included peakless hats. In Auckland, races took place on the Auckland Domain cricket oval although the club was only allowed to use the oval on race days. A decade later, bicycle design had changed which meant safer cycling, and more women taking to the sport and forming their own clubs.
Waitematā Bicycle Club, 1883, from Waitematā Bicycle Club (Album 64)
Image reference: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 3-ALB64-35