Things to see and do along the way
Kaikohe
A good place to stock up on food for your ride, with supermarkets, cafes and bakeries. Also a couple of good cafes and restaurants to have a meal in. If you want a cold beer as well at the end of the day – head to the Mint at Left Bank.
Pioneer Village
Just 200m off the trail in Kaikohe. The Pioneer Village is part of an evolving, dynamic museum that tells the story of the whole community, from the days of first contact between Māori and European, to our more recent shared history.
It is a 19th century Northland community recreated with all its colourful atmosphere, history and detail.
Guided and self directed tours, secure bike stand, toilets, coffee and refreshments. Open Monday to Friday 10-4pm. Closed public holidays. Should you wish to visit outside these hours please phone our office for booking inquiries (09) 4010816
Firehouse Museum
This is just up the road from our base in Kaikohe, it’s an unusual place and bursting at the seams with memorabilia. If Brian the curator is there you will get a tour – which his incredibly insightful. It’s the largest collection in NZ.
Te Waiariki Ngawha Springs
Natural geothermal healing waters. 16 mineral baths each with unique nutrient and temperature characteristics, used for centuries for relaxation and therapeutic and healing properties. 6km from Kaikohe, best to get to by car.
Note – The redevelopment and enhancement project for Te Waiariki Ngawha Springs is well underway, closed until February 2021. BUT – in the meantime check out The Temp, which has been opened for your enjoyment while we await re-opening of Te Waiariki Ngawha Springs.
The Temp is a place to relax, heal and replenish There are 8 pools, with a range of temperatures. Bookings are essential due to the limited space and high demand. Call 09 401 0054 www.ngawha.nz
Kawakawa
Well worth a stop. Full of eateries and shops of all sorts.
The places we have listed below – you cycle right past.
Kings Theatre Creative
A creative-community space in a classic 1930’s Theatre. Offering a seasonal programme of solo and group exhibitions, events, and workshops. It is located on the main street.
Hundertwasser Toilets
Modern art meets modern convenience in possibly the world’s most architecturally important public bathroom. World Famous Artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s final project was a set of public toilets in Kawakawa where he spent his final years, and those toilets are still open for “business.”
Te Hononga Hundertwasser Memorial Park
This has just been opened in Kawakawa and is an incredible piece of architecture and an amazing place to visit.
It is a joining place, a meeting place, a coming together. This is symbolic of the joining together of the Kawakawa community and Hundertwasser, Maori and Pakeha, visitors and residents, our past and future, our places (east, west), of man and the environment.
The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
This is unique as it is the only working railway in New Zealand where the trains travel down a State Highway and right through the middle of a busy town.
Taumarere Station is located on the cycle trail – it is 4km from Kawakawa and there is a special carriage for bikes. It’s a wonderful addition to your cycle ride!
The trains run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and every day in school holidays. Outside these times, Special Excursion trains can be arranged.
From Kawakawa Station– 10.45am, 12 noon, 1.15pm, 2.30pm From Taumarere Station – 11.15am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm, 3pm Return trip takes about 50 minutes. Please check these details and pricing and booking instructions on their website as they are changeable! www.bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz
Okaihau
A rural town in NZ you will cycle through this small town. You can get coffee and food there.
The Settlers Way is worth a visit. Full of fresh produce and all sorts of treasures – preserves, balms, gifts etc.
It serves real fruit ice creams and has a wonderful selection of old fashioned sweets, nougat etc
At the approximate half way point from Okaihau to Horeke you have Snows Farm Kiosk – a lovely little spot by the river to grab a cold drink or muffin – only open Friday’s, Saturday’s and Sundays between 10 and 2 (and is also seasonal) and is cash only.
Horeke
Located on the Hokianga Harbour, it is not so much a town but a settlement. There are no shops or places to eat there.
The Horeke Pub is not open to the public it is just for guests who are staying there.
If you need to use the bathroom there is one at the town hall just before the hotel, or 3km on a Mangungu.
Mangungu Mission
This is at the end of the trail, just 3 km on from Horeke and is a beautiful spot with breath-taking views.
Māngungu was established on the shore of the spectacular Hokianga Harbour in 1828 as a Wesleyan Mission station. It is a simple building that looks out over the beautiful Hokianga Harbour, a serene scene that belies the sometimes turbulent history of the area. The largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in the country took place here, with over 70 chiefs adding their assent before a crowd of up to 3,000 people
You can go through the building which is well worth it – but if it is not open or you don’t want to pay to go in. You can just sit on the porch of the building and soak in the magnificent views.
Opening Hours and details Māngungu Mission –
A world unique geological phenomenon, right here in Northland. A wonderful place to explore. This is really one of those hidden gems we talk about!
Walking trails take you through the boulder valley and native bush and take from 40 minutes to 2 hours. There is a bush pool swimming hole and hidden rock animals in the bush for kids to find.
Exploring beyond the trail – you can catch the ferry the Ranui over to Kohukohu or Rawene
Contact them to inquire about times and book directly. www.ranui.nz
Opua
Starting or finishing on the East Coast, Opua is a great place where you can stock up on food for your ride or sit in a café at the Marina
The general store has a nice selection of cabinet food, a takeaway by the car ferry or the Marina Café.
There is a car ferry that will take you over the water towards Russell and Okiato, the first place of the Capital on New Zealand.
