PLANNING YOUR RIDE
Whether you’re riding the full trail or just a section, good planning makes all the difference.
This page offers information on planning around trail conditions, accessibility, safety, trail etiquette and route planning advice.
PLANNING YOUR RIDE
Whether you’re riding the full trail or just a section, good planning makes all the difference.
This page offers information on planning around trail conditions, accessibility, safety, trail etiquette and route planning advice.
Local Knowledge
Twin Coast Adventures can help with local tips, flexible transport, and whatever else you need for a smooth ride.
- One-Day or Multi-Day: Ride the trail in a single day with support, or spread it over two or more days with time to explore
- Start Anywhere: Begin at Ōpua or Māngungu — or jump on at any town along the route
- Shuttle Services: We offer pickups and drop-offs to suit your ride plan
- Bike Hire: Choose from standard bikes or e-bikes, with helmets and panniers available
- Food Stops: Great cafés and bakeries in most towns — or bring a picnic for the trail
If you’re unsure where to start or how much to ride, just get in touch, and we’ll help you build a ride that suits your pace, fitness, and timeframe.
Trail Conditions & Accessibility
The Twin Coast Cycle Trail is designed to be accessible, enjoyable, and safe for a wide range of riders. With a consistent surface and gentle gradients, it’s a great option whether you’re riding solo, with friends, or as a family.
- Trail Surface: A mix of compacted limestone, sealed paths, gravel, and boardwalks
- Bike Suitability: Ideal for hybrid, mountain, and e-bikes
- Maintenance: Well-maintained with regular checks and clear signage throughout
- Accessibility: Multiple access points, parking areas, and rest spots with toilets and shelters
Weather can impact certain sections, especially after heavy rain, so do feel free to ask us to check for trail updates before you ride. We’re happy to help.
Safety & Trail Etiquette
We want everyone to enjoy the trail safely and respectfully. Here are a few simple guidelines to help keep the experience positive for all.
- Keep left and pass with care — use your bell or call out when overtaking
- Stay alert at road crossings — slow down and look both ways
- Respect private land — parts of the trail cross working farms; leave gates as you find them
- Leave no trace — take all rubbish with you and use facilities where provided
- Be weather-wise — Northland weather can change quickly; pack layers and check the forecast
- Ride to your ability — some sections are more remote and have steeper gradients
What we suggest
We recommend that the easiest way to ride the trail is to start from our Kaikohe base and Motel at Twin Coast Adventures. Kaikohe happens to be an approximate midpoint of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, as well as being the high ground at 200 metres above sea-level. Your journey will be a little easier travelling downhill. Please note that both ends of the cycle trail end at the water measured at sea-level zero.
The Twin Coast Cycle Trail is approximately 87 kilometres long. Your journey from Kaikohe in either direction would be about 42 to 45 kilometers, taking approximately 4 to 4.5 hours plus your stops to travel.
It is best to leave in the morning around 9am to ride the trail to either Opua in the Bay of Islands, being at one end of the trail, or to Horeke in the Hokianga Habour, being at the other end of the trail.
Our Shuttle Services can either drop you off in the morning or pick you up in the afternoon. This service can be done in either direction to suit your needs.
What to bring
We recommend carrying sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, a basic repair kit (available on request), and a fully charged phone. If you’re hiring our bikes or using our shuttle services, we’ll help make sure you’re set up and ready to go.
We’re locals who know and love the Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Whether you’re after a self-guided adventure or need help with logistics, we’re here to make your ride easy, enjoyable, and unforgettable.