POU HERENGA TAI TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL

BAY OF ISLANDS to HOKIANGA HARBOUR

2 days - 87km

AA Traveller 2022

BEST FOR: Delving into Northland’s history, which is rich in Māori culture.

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.

The 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.

TOP TIP – There are numerous gates along the track to deter quad bikes. Take just one pannier, bike basket or box for easier manoeuvring.

© Twin Coast Cycle Trail

TRAIL INFO

TWO ROUTES BETWEEN ŌPUA AND KAWAKAWA: RAIL AND TRAIL INCLUSIVE 11KM GRADE 1 (EASIEST) & INLAND ŌPUA FOREST RD 16.2 KM GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)

KAWAKAWA TO KAIKOHE 34KM GRADE 1 (EASIEST) & GRADE 2 (EASY)

KAIKOHE TO ŌKAIHAU 14KM GRADE 1 (EASIEST) & GRADE 2 (EASY)

ŌKAIHAU TO HŌREKE 28KM GRADE 2 (EASY) & GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)

MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Good around larger towns and settlements but patchy between Kawakawa and Kaikohe, and Ōkaihau to Hōreke.

DRINKING WATER: Water bottles can be filled at various settlements; be sure to carry plenty on hot summer days.

TYPE OF BIKE: Can be ridden on a hybrid bike, although a mountain bike will ensure maximum comfort and safety, especially on the Grade 3 section from Ōkaihau to Hōreke. E-bikes are also permitted and available through most bike hire operators.

Twin Coast Cycle Trail © Ruth Lawton Photography

RIDING THE TRAIL

TWO ROUTES BETWEEN ŌPUA AND KAWAKAWA: RAIL AND TRAIL INCLUSIVE

Suitable for young and inexperienced cyclists there is access through this flat route as a mixture of cycling and riding the train alongside the Kawakawa River and then re-joining the cycle trail into Kawakawa. There is no cyclist or pedestrian access between Ake Ake and Taumarere Rail Station. To connect by train via timetable. Refer to timetable https://www.bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz/

INLAND ŌPUA FOREST RD

Mostly on-road requiring experience with traffic will be needed. This inland route is through the Ōpua Forest with kauri and remnant stands of native bush.

Trail Highlights: Ōpua – the maritime centre of the Bay of Islands • Travelling by train over Taumarere Long Bridge and Railway Station • DOC track to kauri • Scenic harbour vista views • Kawakawa Te Hononga and Hundertwasser toilets •Home of the Vintage Railway

KAWAKAWA TO KAIKOHE

Departing Kawakawa on the west of town,the cycle trail follows a route behind the Moerewa Freezing works. Moerewa is also known as ‘Motown’ or ‘Tuna Town’.Heading further inland through rural landscapes to Tuhipa suspension bridges the cycle trail is on a gradual incline to Kaikohe across rolling farmland. Before you reach Kaikohe you will pass the Kaikohe Aerodrome built in 1942 as a US Marines bomber base. Kaikohe is a medium-sized township with rich Māori and European heritage. Kaikohe is the home town of Ngāpuhi.

Trail Highlights: Suspension bridges at Tuhipa • Rural scenery cycling through forests and farms • The Pioneer Village in Kaikohe – just 200m off the trail •Accommodation, shops, eateries and activities • Newly upgraded Ngāwhā Hot Springs – 6km from Kaikohe (off the trail).

KAIKOHE TO ŌKAIHAU

Climbing gently west of Kaikohe on a disused railway corridor, the cycle trail climbs gently to the highest point at 280m above sea level. You will pass through an 80m curved rail tunnel built in 1915 before descending to Lake Ōmāpere. Despite reaching the highest point on the cycle trail– it is an easy grade 1 to 2 ride with everchanging views of native bush, farmland,streams and Lake Ōmāpere.

Trail Highlights: Lake Ōmāpere – is of great cultural and environmental value to Māori • Summit of Kaikohe – with impressive views • 80m-long curved rail tunnel. Handy hint! Let your eyes adjust to the dark before entering the tunnel or dismount your bike and walk through it • A water ford close to Ōkaihau • Native bush,farmland, streams & lakes.

ŌKAIHAU TO HŌREKE

Ōkaihau, a small friendly township with great food before heading further west taking on the exciting Grade 3 downhill zigzags, along the Utakura River to Snow’s Farm and picnic beside the river. Cycle through a rural setting passing marae which should be respected as ‘private property’ and carry on to a harbourside 1km boardwalk to Hōreke. The cycle trail shares the road for a further 3km to Māngungu Mission House or make an advanced booking for the boat charter for a harbour crossing.

Trail Highlights: Panoramic views • Cycling through the valley beside the Utakura River • Snow’s picnic spot • 1100m boardwalk through the mangroves • Māngungu Mission House – a must-do photo stop! • Passenger & cycle transport/scenic boat trip. Looking for accommodation

Looking for a place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz