I have been cycling over almost 70 years and have just acquired an ebike to go down Ngauranga Gorge towards Wgtn CBD. There are 3 legitimate options.
Road has been recommended. I have tried but feel nervous riding fast.
Cycle_ footpath very narrow and was pressured to allow a cyclist past. I refused. He tried 3 times before passing on a new footpath. At traffic lights I was criticized for not wearing a helmet. Our future king enjoys cycling not wearing a helmet I can to.
Goat Track between Newlands and Ngauranga Gorge probably formed before WW1. In good shape: just requires a surface tidy up for cycling both ways.