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Trail Details

Open for the summer starting Boxing Day Opua Kawakawa section.

First Option

From Opua:

Access from Opua to Te Ake Ake 4.4 km then catch the train at Te Ake Ake – check out timetable for daily schedule and have a gold coin donation .

The Train takes you through to Taumarere where you can cycle on the trail 3.2 km into Kawakawa arriving at Te Hononga Civic Centre.

From Kawakawa:

Cycle  to Taumarere is an easy short ride 3.2 km  and catch the train to Te Ake Ake for a gold coin donation then cycle 4.4 km to Opua.

A Second Route or Loop Option

A second route is a temporary alternative road 17.7 km route known as the Opua Whangae Road Trail that is for adult cyclists with moderate experience between Opua and Kawakawa bringing cyclists in to the town at Te Hononga Civic Centre.  

Bay of Islands loop a day option for adult riders.

Cyclists can then cycle through to Taumarere to catch the train to Te Ake Ake then cycle the remaining 4.4 km back to Opua.

Signage with maps and details for both rides will be at the original start of the Great Ride at the Baffin St, at Opua.

Trail Status: Current Alerts

Kawakawa to Kaikohe – There is a short on road detour for approx 300m on this section.  Please be aware of vehicles.

Trail Details

Duration – 2 days, Grade – 1 – 3, Distance – 87km, Highest point – 320m – Kaikohe Hill

Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail travels from the famously beautiful Bay of Islands to the remote and picturesque Hokianga Harbour, or vice versa. Due to its sub-tropical climate – it can be ridden all year round – hence the name “winterless north”.

The trail is 87 km and is divided into four sections and can be ridden in either direction. The central point is Kaikoke and from there the trail descends to the East and the West coasts. This trail goes through diverse and stunning scenery with spectacular views, but it also takes you on a fascinating journey through some of New Zealand’s earliest Maori and European settlements. Story boards along the way bring to life the history and stories of the local people. Visit the Far North to discover the birthplace of the nation.

Cyclists have the choice of staying in Kaikohe or Okaihau as central points and cycle to each coast. From each end a return shuttle can be organised. Others prefer to cycle the full length of the trail starting from Opua and finishing in Horeke. Some cycle both ways. There are those that spread the sections over a few days whilst on holiday in the north.

The bike ride is suitable for most riders as it is generally flat with gentle climbs – most of it being grade 1 and 2, with the Okaihau to Horeke section a grade 2-3. The surface is fairly good and can be ridden all year round, the surface may be a bit rougher if there has been a flooding event. Please report these via the website so contractors can be engaged to maintain the cycle trail. You will find most of the trail is off road, and you can cycle two abreast. There is some on road cycling but these are quiet country roads.

Trail Sections

Opua to Kawakawa

Level Grade 1 – easy
Distance 11 kms

Kawakawa to Kaikohe

Level Grade 1 – 2
Distance 34 kms

Kaikohe to Okaihau

Level Grade 1 – 2
Distance 14 kms

Okaihau to Horeke

Level Grade 2 – 3
Distance 28 kms

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