If you seek a short easy ride a good one is called the "North West Cycleway". Start at Upper Queen street/Ian McKinnon Drive and Alex Evans Street and head west down a small hill toward the Ian McKinnon Drive road to start on the cycleway.(Full pics coming soon).
Ride out to the west of the city beside the motorway. Its all well signposted. An easy ride and great places to stop and take a break but no cafes. You reach the end at Te Atatu.
Then ride back - takes about 2 hours and is 40 kms
Enjoy.