1 Day Kaikohe HQ - Downhill to either coast
Approx 4 Hours riding each way
- WEST COAST MANGUNGU – Shuttle pick up – 3 pm.
- EAST COAST FROM OPUA MARINA CAFE CARPARK Fri/Sat/Sun and at 3.30 pm – 12th Feb until April 1st.
- A section of this trail is connected by a train, to bridge the gap – You must book the train section separately – https://bayofsslandsvintagerailway.rezdy.com/617211/cycle-train-connection-boarding-taumarere-station – book 2.25pm train from Taumarere to coincide with 3.30pm pick up.
- all other days EAST COAST Pick up at KAWAKAWA TE HONONGA CENTRE CARPARK at 3pm.
- Standard Bike + Shuttle $115/ person $85 per child
- Ebike + Shuttle $180/person
- Includes helmets
We suggest that you park your vehicle safely with us at base in Kaikohe which is also the highest point of the trail! Tipene will get you sorted on one of our new fleet of Bikes for ultimate riding comfort, whether it be Ebike or standard trail bike, as well as information and all you need to get started. Leaving Kaikohe between 9 am and 10 am to enable you enough time on the trail to be in time for the shuttle pick up at either end – timing dependent on dates see above.
Kaikohe to Horeke – Mangungu Mission
Riding the western section of the trail you will cycle 42kms, Kaikohe to Historic Mangungu Mission House Horeke on the West coast of Northland. Follow ancient pathways Maori used to travel from coast to coast. The trail meanders from central high ground down to sea level. Tunnel, lake farm and bush land. A stunning ride!
This easy grade 1-3 ride passes through an old rail tunnel, skirts lake Omapere and takes you through the town of Okaihau before heading on down to Horeke. You will see farmland, rivers and native bush before arriving at Horeke home to the oldest hotel in New Zealand and the historic Mangungu Mission house.
Riding along the old rail corridor to Okaihau where a few refreshment stops are available depending on season and days of the week! If you have special requirements we advise you bring your own or pre purchase in Kaikohe. You then ride on out of town, down into the Utakura valley and alongside the river through some fabulous native bush, time for a picnic and a stop at Snow’s farm, perfect place to stop and have your lunch. Riding on through early settled farmland and on to the boardwalk which takes you over the mangroves at the top edge of the Hokianga Harbour to Horeke where a short ride on gets you to the historic Mangungu Mission House and your shuttle pick up point!
Accommodation options
We are happy to recommend accommodation for your time on the trail please ask info@toptrail.co.nz if you are in need of suggestions.
Kaikohe to Kawakawa/Opua
Riding the Eastern half of the trail between Kaikohe and Kawakawa/ Taumarere is mainly on old rail corridor 45 kms of easy riding. Passing through native bush, northland farmland over suspension bridges and on certain days the trail is enhanced by the train.
12TH FEB – 1ST APRIL – THE EASTERN END FROM KAWAKAWA THROUGH TO OPUA IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE ON Fri/Sat/Sun. BY TRAIN ARE BEING USED TO “JOIN THE 3KM GAP” IN THE TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL.
- MEET AT TAUMARERE AT 2.20 PM FOR TRANSFER TO AKE AKE (LONE COW) STATION – you ride your bike to the station and then put it on the train enjoy a scenic train journey along the Waikare esturary – hop off and ride the last 4 kms to Opua to meet the shuttle!
YOU BOOK YOUR TRAIN – Please click the link below, to make your bookings for the day you are cycling East. We suggest you book on the 2.25pm train from Taumarere Station which sits East of Kawakawa 4.5kms from Kawakawa, to time it right for your Top Trail shuttle pick up at 3.30pm. BOOK HERE
If you do not pre book the train piece there is no guaranteed space for you, (it is very quick and easy to complete just click on the link). If you have any issues with booking the train contact the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway direct.
STANDARD SHUTTLE PICK UP WILL BE THEN BE 3.30 pm IN OPUA MARINA CAFE CARPARK
MON/TUES/WED/THUS – PICK UP IS IN KAWAKAWA AT TE HONONGA CENTRE AT 3PM. As the trail between Taumarere to Opua is closed and the train does not run.
This gives you only 34kms of riding from Kaikohe downhill to kawakawa. We do suggest you ride through to Taumarere Railway Station (4.5kms further past kawakawa) and then turn around and ride back to kawakawa (Te Hononga Centre car park) for your pick up.
The scheduled time for the standard shuttle will be 3.00 pm.
Trail details – As you drop down from the highest point at Kaikohe you will pass Kaikohe Aerodrome built in 1942 as a US Marines bomber base, still in use by general aviation. This ride passes through rural Northland, the stunning Orauta Stream suspension bridges, waterfalls, cycle past Marae.
Ride through the fabulous town of Kawakawa that has so much to offer, culturally, and historically – excellent eateries and a good place to stop for a while.
Accommodation options
We are happy to recommend accommodation for your time on the trail please ask info@toptrail.co.nz if you are in need of suggestions.
