GREAT RIDE • POU HERENGA TAI TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL
BEST FOR: Delving into Northland’s history, which is rich in Māori culture.
BAY OF ISLANDS to HOKIANGA HARBOUR 2 days
87km
BOTH IMAGES: Twin Coast Cycle Trail © Ruth Lawton Photography
TOP TIP – There are numerous gates along the track to deter quad bikes. Take just one pannier, bike basket or box for easier manoeuvring.
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Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail is an attractive cross-country journey from the Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour, serving up a tempting mix of relaxing riding with some seriously significant heritage sites and stories.
T
he 87km cycle trail is typically ridden over two days across a landscape of coastal, country and small-town sights with a subtropical climate for which the ‘winterless’ north is famous. The trail travels through various cultural sites and attractions capturing the history and heritage of Māori and European activity and settlements. Bilingual story boards along the way bring life to the history and stories of local people, places and the natural environment.
It can be ridden from either direction or broken into smaller day trips allowing for time to enjoy other activities in the area which include historic sites and townships, bush walks, a soak in geothermal hot pools, with plenty of cafés along the trail to satisfy hungry visitors. For new riders starting at Kaikohe ensures there are plenty of downhills both relaxing and highly rewarding. The trail is open during daylight hours only, and the compacted shale surface is ridable all year round.
SEE PP 20, 22 & 24 FOR CONNECTING HEARTLAND RIDES
