When I lived in Parnell I use to ride this once or twice a week:

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/new-zealand/auckland/232417626

good hills!

Another good option is to go over the old Mangere bridge and do a loop around Ambury Park, Wallace road, Greenwood, Oruarangi, Ihumatao. then a quick ride up George Bolt to Montgomerie or back the way you came.

The full on rodie ride you would take you along waterfront to start with then Panmure, Pakaranga, East Tamaki, Airport then back this way.. of course that is a much busier option.

One of my favourite Auckland rides is in the Waitak ranges but this is quite a lot harder and is much busier these days so have to be very confidant or do early morning. options are Huia and back, Piha down to beach and back up, then down to Karekare beach (watch the step downhill section) then up Lone Karui road - I just love that road really fab. Lots of other options too. Mountain road is great too.

The correlation between helmet wearing and safety is very strongly negative.

George,

Just had to respond to this.

Helmets do not save lives, but they do reduce head injuries. Just the other day it young fella got run over at the intersection with Victoria and Bridge streets. He was ok but had quite bad head injuries caused by his head hitting the road without a helmet on. A correctly worn helmet could have reduced this significantly. The fact that he was not using any lights after dark and going through a red light... well that's kids for ya.

Also you cannot compare The Netherlands to US as other road users respect rides way more in The Netherlands.