TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL

The Twin Coast Cycle Trail, Pou Herenga Tai, runs through beautiful landscapes, past lakes, rivers, through old railway tunnels, over the longest wooden rail bridge in New Zealand and historic towns.

TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL

Twin Coast Adventures offers cycle tours, bike hire, shuttle service, motel accommodation on Northland’s beautiful Twin Coast Cycle Trail.

The Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail takes you from coast to coast across the Far North, following a scenic and gently graded 87 km route between Ōpua on the east coast and Māngungu Mission on the Hokianga Harbour. This is divided into four sections and can be ridden in either direction.

Whether you’re after a leisurely day ride or a multi-day adventure, the trail offers a unique way to experience Northland’s rural heartland, rich history, and stunning natural beauty.

The heart, and central point of the cycle trail, is Kaikoke. Kaikohe is also the high ground at 200 meters above sea level. Opua and Horeke are the beginning and the end of the cycle trail, both of which are at sea-level. Therefore, it’s worth considering starting at the centre of the trail at Kaikohe and descending in either direction to Opua or Horeke.

The Perfect Location

Twin Coast Adventures is based in the colourful town of Kaikohe, which is centrally located in Northland and has a range of cafes, restaurants, fast food shops, two large supermarkets, a Warehouse, petrol stations, a post office, banks, and a variety of other shops.

We ride these tracks ourselves, and we know the highlights, the hidden gems, and how to make the most of every kilometre. The trail is suitable for all ages and riding levels, with options to ride it in full or enjoy just one section at a time.

It’s easy for our team to send one of our shuttle coaches with a bike trailer to pick you up and return you to Kaikohe. We also provide a shuttle service to travel the other way around.

Twin Coast Adventures offers Cycle tours, bike hire, shuttles and motel and backpackers accommodation on Northland’s beautiful Twin Coast Cycle Trail.

Trail at a Glance

  • Distance: 87 km (Ōpua to Māngungu Mission or reverse)
  • Estimated Time: 1–2 days, depending on pace
  • Grade: 1–2 (Easy to Easy-Intermediate)
  • Surface: Mainly compacted limestone, gravel, and sealed paths
  • Suitable For: Hybrid bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes
  • Access Points: Multiple towns and road crossings along the route
  • Ride Options: Full trail or ride individual sections

The trail follows a mix of disused rail corridor, quiet country roads, and dedicated cycle paths, with gentle gradients that suit casual riders, families, and experienced cyclists alike.

From harbour views to rolling farmland and native bush, each section offers something different.

Trail Sections

The trail goes through some diverse scenery with spectacular views, but it also takes you on a fascinating journey through some of New Zealand’s earliest Maori and European settlements. The storyboards along the way bring to life the history and stories of the local people.

Ōpua to Kawakawa (11 km)

  • Flat, scenic ride along the former railway line
  • Sweeping views of the Ōpua Inlet and estuary
  • Highlights include the Taumarere Long Bridge and Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
  • Finishes in Kawakawa, home to the famous Hundertwasser toilets and local cafés

Kawakawa to Kaikohe (34 km)

  • Gradual climb through farmland, native bush, and tunnels
  • Twin tunnels near the summit offer a memorable ride
  • Passes through rural communities and open country
  • Kaikohe is the highest point on the trail and a central overnight stop for many riders
Twin Coast Adventures offers cycle tours, bike hire, shuttle service, motel accommodation on Northland’s beautiful Twin Coast Cycle Trail.

Kaikohe to Okaihau (14 km)

  • Easy downhill ride through the Waihou Valley
  • Wide views across farmland and river flats
  • Quiet and peaceful, Ideal for families and casual riders

Okaihau to Māngungu Mission (28 km)

  • More remote section with rolling terrain and forest trails
  • Panoramic views of the Hokianga Harbour
  • Ends at the historic Māngungu Mission House, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840
  • A rewarding finish with photo-worthy scenery and cultural significance
Twin Coast Adventures offers cycle tours, bike hire, shuttle service, motel accommodation on Northland’s beautiful Twin Coast Cycle Trail.

Cultural & Historical Highlights

The Twin Coast Cycle Trail isn’t just a scenic ride; it’s a journey through places of deep cultural meaning and historical importance. Along the trail, you’ll find pou whenua (carved posts) that acknowledge local hapū and iwi, as well as landmarks that mark key moments in Aotearoa’s early history.

  • Māngungu Mission House – Site of the largest signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840
  • Hundertwasser Toilets – An iconic artistic landmark in Kawakawa
  • Bay of Islands Vintage Railway – One of the oldest railways in the country, still partly operational
  • Pou whenua – Installed throughout the trail to honour stories, whakapapa, and the whenua. The pou near Horeke represent six marae of the district — Tauratumaru, Puketawa, Mokonuiarangi, Te Rangatahi, Mataitaua, and Motukiore — and are set in the area where Kupe, the great rangatira and navigator from Hawaiki, is said to have arrived. A nearby artwork shows his arrival, with the descendants of each hapū emerging from the Hokianga Harbour.

We encourage all riders to take their time, learn the stories behind these places, and respect the trail as more than just a bike trail; it’s a connection between people, past and present.