POU HERENGA TAI TWIN COAST Cycle Trail POU HERENGA TAI TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL BAY OF ISLANDS to HOKIANGA HARBOUR Cycle coast to coast through some of New Zealand’s earliest settlements on 2 days 87km Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail. rom one incredibly beautiful now, only farmers and hunters have shore to another, the Pou had the privilege of seeing. FHerenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Cycle through avenues of rolling Trail journeys between Northland’s farmland, amid native bush boasting idyllic east coast and the picturesque impressive native flora and fauna, harbour in amidst the kauri forests past pretty lakes, waterfalls and on the west coast. rivers, and along the country’s Steeped in history, this trail tells longest boardwalk at Horeke. the story of an emerging nation, Disused rail tunnels, historic capturing the heritage of both Maori buildings and majestic suspension and European settlers. bridges are highlights. Before you start visit Waitangi, The trail is generally flat and wide, where our nation’s founding however there are short steep document was first signed in 1840, segments between Okaihau and then look out for the hand-carved Horeke. With the Far North’s pou (posts) that reflect the rich subtropical climate, the cycle trail is culture of the region and add an suited to all seasons. artistic feature to the journey. IMAGE: Suspension Twin Bridges at Tuhipa on Stunning Northland vistas provide the Kawakawa to Kaikohe section © Twin Coast Trail the backdrop for this trail, which INSET: Okaihau to Horeke section – Utakura shows off tracts of land that, until River © Twin Coast Trail 19 he Bay of Islands, with © AA Traveller 2018 Explore incredible MAP LEGEND more than 144 stunning islands to discover, are natural beauty and open section town camping T Along the trail Kerikeri Bay Of Islands a favourite playground for cultural heritage ferry café/restaurant state highway holidaymakers from around 10 the world. start / finish point toilets detour 500m EAST COAST Omahuta Forest Puketi Forest on road Bay Of Islands Russell The main town in the area, Paihia, is point of interest car park an ideal base for exploring the region. Rangiahua i-SITE Visitor Centre accommodation Paihia Situated between rolling green hills, 1 blue harbours and biscuit-coloured beaches, Paihia is the ultimate OPUA destination with attractions ranging MANGUNGU OKAIHAU from the indulgent to adrenalin- POU HERENGA TAI TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL Horeke Rd POU HERENGA TAI TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL MISSION HOUSE pumping. You may wish to catch a Lake culture show, go souvenir shopping or 1 Omapere 11 just laze on the beach. Horeke KAWAKAWA Taumarere With all of those islands beckoning, 1 Railway Station however, you’ll want to find your sea Lake Owhareiti legs. A wide range of boat tours depart from both Paihia and Russell, including Christ Church, Russell © David Kirkland INSET: Haruru Falls, near Paihia OTIRIA the ‘Cream Trip’, the Hole in the Rock © davidwallphoto.com Tuhipa KAIKOHE Ngawha Springs (conditions permitting), the R Tucker 1 WEST COAST Ngapipito Thompson Tall Ship, sailing, cruising Hokianga Harbour and fishing trips, charter boats as well to Whangarei as dolphin encounters. HARURU FALLS NGAWHA SPRINGS 12 The beautiful Hokianga Harbour KAIKOHE Not far from Kaikohe is the welcomes you to the end of the Only 5km west of Paihia, TRAIL INFO AERODROME village of Ngawha Springs, cycle trail. Look out for the twin the falls cascade in a rare where the rustic thermal harbourside settlements of Omapere horseshoe shape. The pools are interestingly and Opononi, famous for the golden Waitangi Haruru Mangrove coloured, soothing and sand dunes that monopolise the view Walk links the Treaty 2 Days riding the trail therapeutic – especially Horeke Okaihau Kaikohe Kawakawa Opua from the shoreline. Grounds with the falls, a 87km 90-minute hike each way. after a long day on the bike. 28km 14km 34km 11km 400m 200m Paihia 0m here’s a good place (missionary Rev Henry Williams) • 24km SE of Kerikeri TRAIL GRADES: OPUA TO KAWAKAWA KAWAKAWA TO KAIKOHE OKAIHAU TO HOREKE Pioneer Waterfront Apartments OPUA TO KAWAKAWA Highlights: Opua Marina, Taumarere Highlights: Hundertwasser Highlights: Wairere Boulders, Horeke Estuary, Long Bridge Toilets, Kawakawa Railway Station, Hotel, Mangungu Mission House 11KM Suspension Twin Bridges at Tuhipa GRADE 1 (EASIEST) The trail between Opua and One of the most spectacular and Kawakawa follows the old rail line. It is The section from Kawakawa takes challenging sections of the trail, this KAWAKAWA TO KAIKOHE located right beside the Opua Harbour you 34km to the town of Kaikohe, 28km ride is a Grade 2-3 that drops 34KM and follows the Waikare estuary. The the highest point on the trail, over down to farmland and follows the Absolute waterfront apartments with all facilities, GRADE 1 (EASIEST) & ride is flat, easy to ride and perfect for two majestic suspension bridges and banks of the Utakura River and Horeke GRADE 2 (EASY) families and casual riders. through rolling farmland. Just 200m Rd. The final part of the ride includes self-contained, in Paihia, Bay of Islands KAIKOHE TO OKAIHAU off the trail in Kaikohe is the Pioneer a 1200m-long section of boardwalk Averill Court Motel The cycle trail runs over 14 bridges Village with historic buildings and through mangroves on the edge of • 2-bedroom apartments 14KM and alongside the mangroves on the • CENTRAL LOCATION treasures and complimentary tea, Hokianga Harbour. This is the longest 62 Seaview Rd, Paihia GRADE 1 (EASIEST) shores of the upper reaches of the • Easy walk to wharf/beach • WiFi • BBQ coffee and water! boardwalk constructed for any cycle P: +64 9 402 7716 Kawakawa River. • FREE WiFi • Swimming pool/spa • SKY/CD/DVD • Flatscreen TV OKAIHAU TO HOREKE trail in New Zealand. Continue on to E: [email protected] KAIKOHE TO OKAIHAU • Tour desk for dolphin cruises, 28KM Both Opua and Kawakawa have great Horeke and then the last few kms to Cape Reinga and fishing www.averillcourtmotel.co.nz • Spa baths GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) cafés and you can take the Bay of Highlights: Kaikohe Monument, rail the Mangungu Mission House which • Private balconies Islands Vintage Railway steam train if tunnel, fascinating storyboards offers spectacular harbour views. CALL RESERVATIONS: 0800 801 333 you don’t want to bike the last 4km to • Swimming & kids paddling pool, hot spa MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: This section follows a railway corridor From Horeke, you can take the Ranui Kawakawa. See timetable at • Off-street parking Cellphone coverage is limited and takes you through an 80m long, ferry to Kohukohu, the end point of private chalets in www.bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz along most sections of the trail, curved, disused rail tunnel built in the Far North Cycleway, or to Rawene, BAY CABINZ MOTEL a little slice of paradise! • 2min walk from town centre and wharf but there’s mobile reception in 1915. Enjoy changing scenery with a the start of the Kauri Coast Cycleway. the towns adjacent to the lake, native bush and farmland. cycle trail. DRINKING WATER: We do not recommend drinking look out for... Horeke Hotel water from the streams. You Stop in and visit what claims can buy bottled water from Mangungu Mission House Pioneer Heritage Village to be the country’s first • Central yet quiet elevated eco-complex 300m to beach, wharf and town businesses along the trail, or The site of the largest signing of the Kaikohe’s Pioneer Heritage Village ever pub, the Horeke Hotel. • Self-contained chalets set in subtropical native surroundings with sea & garden views ask to fill your water bottle after • Safe location, ideal for single travellers & couples • Free WiFi • BBQ • Laundry Treaty of Waitangi, this Wesleyan is a dynamic museum with excellent Perched right on the shore of a coffee at a café. During the • Bike lock-up and cleaning area collections telling the story of the the Hokianga Harbour, they • Kitchen, ensuite, TV/DVD, private balcony 0800 27 27 86 hotter months make sure you Mission house (1838-9) on the slopes area and its people. It also offers serve delicious pub meals • AA and Gold Card discounts • Tariff: $125-$220 (2 persons) carry 1.5-2.5 litres of water per of Horeke overlooks the stunning www.pioneerapartments.co.nz cyclists complimentary tea, coffee including snapper caught 32-34 School Rd, Paihia • Ph: +64 9 402 8534 • Reservations: 0800 326 222 person per day. Hokianga Harbour. It’s furnished and water. fresh from their boat. www.baycabinz.co.nz • Email: [email protected] [email protected] I 44 Marsden Rd, Paihia with missionary items and relics. 20 21 POU HERENGA TAI Twin Coast Cycle Trail ADMIRALS VIEW LODGE STAY KERIKERI - BOUTIQUE APARTMENTS + STUDIOS CHARLOTTE’S KITCHEN TOP TRAIL HIRE AND TOURS Self-contained serviced accommodation in central “THAT LITTLE BOUTIQUE PLACE IN KERIKERI” A social contemporary dining experience with a killer Top Trail Hire and Tours Discover the Twin Coast Cycle Paihia. Quiet location, spacious studios and Close to the airport in central Kerikeri. A superb view at the end of the Wharf in Paihia – a funky fun Trail – Cycle Hire & Cycle Tours apartments with sea views, sunny terraces & patios. collection of ten beautifully and well-appointed atmosphere for casual dining and drinking from wood fired Pizza to slow cooked pork Charlottes has • Cycle Hire • Sky TV – Guest select, 32in Smart TV’s with modern APARTMENTS + STUDIOS with a fresh, fabulous and eclectic vibe. Service and hospitality to something to please everyone. The perfect