Frequently Asked Questions
No, you do not – But we recommend it for a number of reasons.
- Kaikohe is the highest point of the trail – it is downhill to each coast.
- Cycling downhill to East coast means you will generally get to Kawakawa around lunchtime – there are numerous eateries and a wide choice, as well as of course the famous Hundertwasser toilets, the Te Hononga centre and the Vintage railways station as well as some quirky shops to browse in! Where as if you cycle the other way from the coast up to Kaikohe you will need to take a picnic with you and eat on the side of the trail.
- We run a standard pickup at each side of the trail – it is cheaper for you to catch this standard pick up – https://toptrail.co.nz/bike-hire-shuttles/
- If you want a special pick up – there is a price difference – https://toptrail.co.nz/bike-hire-shuttles/
Yes you can! It has been much publicised that the Brynderwyn Hills will be closed for road works for 9 weeks starting on the 26th February 2024 OPEN OPEN FOR EASTER and then closed until 12th May – the detour routes add an extra 20 minutes (approx) to your journey time North and take you through scenic Northland – Our favourite is via Mangawhai and Waipu Cove.. check out this map for more detail on those detours
- We recommend you leave base in Kaikohe between 9 and 10 am – allow 30 minutes for us to run through the bike and the route and a short safety briefing
- We say it takes 4 hours riding time both ways – so you have plenty of time to stop take photos have snacks and lunch on your day if you leave on time!
- It really depends on what you enjoy both directions have their own highlights – check out these https://toptrail.co.nz/about-the-trail/
- West – 43kms from Kaikohe to Māngungu
- East
- 45kms Kaikohe to Ōpua
- 34kms Kaikohe to Kawakawa
- 4kms Kaikohe to Kawakawa TRAIN to Ake Ake and then cycle to Ōpua
We have replaced our entire fleet with new bikes in the last 2 years – and is an ongoing process to make sure you get the best equipment for your cycle! Tipene our inhouse mechanic cleans and maintains our bikes after every use.- Our Ebikes are all Avanti.
- Our standard trail bikes – They have 21 inch tyres, they are a cross between a mountain bike and a commuter bike most of the Avanti bikes are hard tails – suspension in the front but not in the rear. The bikes have gel seats for added comfort. We have a selection of frame sizes and styles including “step through” our team at base will get you comfortable on a bike for your size.
- We like to have your height recorded at point of booking so we can make sure we have a bike most suited to your size.
- Yes Helmets are included in every bike hire
- We do not tend to give out puncture repair kits as it is not common for this to happen and Tipene is always available to meet you along the trail with a new bike or a repair the bike if this does happen – you just call Tipene or your driver that afternoon. You will have been given the number before you left base.
- We also do not tend to give out locks for the bikes – but please ask at base if you want one.
- Yes we can provide panniers $10 per pannier – they are small to make sure it is easy to cycle through the squeeze bars
- We recommend a small backpack to carry your personal belongings if you do not want to pay extra
- You can book these when you book online.
- Yes we do for your own safety
- Yes we have both toddler seats
- Tagalongs that clip on the back of the bike so your under 5/6 year old can sit on their own’bike’. This can not go on the Ebikes – standard bikes only.
- The trail and Tunnel Taster https://toptrail.co.nz/opua-kaikohe-self-guided/
- We can book accommodation with the 3 day self guided package – https://toptrail.co.nz/self-guided-3-day-package/
- If you are not going to do the 3 day package we do not book accommodation – we can give recommendations however.
- Yes, you can but it will cost more than the standard pick up point or time – https://toptrail.co.nz/bike-hire-shuttles/
- Yes, we have secure parking at our base at 39 Rankin Street Kaikohe – if you want to leave overnight you can par inside our compound at a cost of $10 per vehicle per day. Otherwise we recommend you to park outside our base on Rankin street it is a wide road and perfect for day parking
- We can do at a cost and transfer you to our base in Kaikohe to start the ride. Otherwise we recommend you use the airport shuttles or the local (Kerikeri) taxi company – these are subject to availability
- Yes absolutely , of course subject to availability – you can pay the difference using eftpos or payWave/credit/debit card
- WEST COAST – Standard pick up time is 3 pm at Mangungu Mission in Horeke – 3kms past the Horeke township.
EAST COAST – Fri/ Sat & Sundays – The Scheduled Shuttle is 3.30pm at Opua Marina Cafe.
TRAIN? CYCLING ON A FRI/SAT/SUN
Cycle to Taumarere station – 3kms past Kawakawa and meet the train there for a 2.25pm departure – we recommend that you depart Kawakawa by 1.50 pm to be sure you get to the station on time. Travel on the train with your bike for about 20 mins to Ake Ake station and then cycle on 4.5 km to Opua.
Marina Cafe is your pick-up point – 26 Baffin Street, Opua Marina.
OPTIONS on the train –
- MEET THE TRAIN AT KAWAKAWA AT 1.50PM (COST$15 PP)
OR
- MEET AT TAUMARERE AT 2.20 PM FOR GOLD COIN DONATION TRANSFER TO AKE AKE (LONE COW) STATION.
NO TRAIN? – CYCLING ON A MON/TUES/WEDS/THURS
- EAST COAST – Mon/Tues/Weds/Thurs or If the train is not able to operate any day – The scheduled shuttle is 3pm in Kawakawa Te Hononga centre.
- Have a look at this map – this can explain it
- Yes there are, speak to our team at base before you head off for recommendations but you can also check this map before you head off https://twincoastcycletrail.kiwi.nz/maps-and-trails/
- Yes they are shown on this map – https://twincoastcycletrail.kiwi.nz/maps-and-trails/
- Generally speaking we have availability for Bike hire and shuttles – but for the peak season it is a good idea to get organised early – however it is essential to organise your accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Yes, there are multiple squeeze bars to stop noncycle traffic on the trails to keep trail users safe.
- We do not recommend large panniers for this reason and can offer luggage shuttles at a cost – https://toptrail.co.nz/bike-hire-shuttles/
- This was a problem but the Twin Coast Cycle Trail Trust has been working very hard to mitigate these risks – they have run desexing and rehoming programs with the communities that have had roaming dogs
- The Far North District Council has been working within the communities educating dog owners about reducing wondering dogs and also removing any dangerous dogs.
- We as a community are doing our best to prevent these issues form reoccurring and there has been no reporting of it in the last few years – Written July 2023
- The Twin Coast Cycle Trail is predominantly grade 1 and 2 with easy, flat riding with a small amount of uphill and downhill there is one piece of the trail (1.2kms) that is grade 3 which is the switch back into the Utakura valley – you can dismount for this piece.
