Twin Coast Cycle Trail
New Zealand Cycle Trail
Northland, North Island
The Twin Coast Cycle Trail will run a total of 84 kilometers from Horeke, a settlement in the inner harbour of the Hokianga to Opua in the beautiful Bay of Islands. This trail is steeped in historical significance for early New Zealand history.
The trail will pass through some of New Zealand's earliest European and Maori settlements and the Far North District. 20kms is currently open in two sections of 14kms from the historic village of Okaihau near Lake Omapere to Kaikohe, which features sites of early Maori-European contact and conflict, then extends for a further 6kms south of Kaikohe. The village of Okaihau was once a hub of early agricultural settlement and development.
After leaving Okaihau, the trail follows sections of an old railway corridor crossing through an 80m tunnel. The old railway track was built on the ancient pathways and trails the Maori used to travel from East to West from coast to coast. The same trails were used later by the missionaries. The trail passes Lake Omapere, Northlands largest lake which is also significant in Maori mythology and a number of wonderful stories are to be told on the Pou Pou. The entire Twin Coast Cycle Trail is unique in that Pou Pou, carved wooden statues made from local trees to bring to life the stories of the landscapes and local people.
The first section of the trail, from Kaikohe to Okaihau, is open and ready to ride now. Kaikohe which features sites of early Maori-European contact and conflict. Be sure to check out Heritage Kaikohe with its museum of early settlement and transport. From the centre of Kaikohe, ride west on the main road (Highway 12) until you reach a rest area 400 metres past the Mid North Motor Inn. Look to your right and you will see a gate at the start of the trail. Carefully shuffle across the first of several cattle stops to start your ride on the smooth, flat rail trail. It doesn’t get any easier than this. After 15 to 20 minutes of scenic riding you will reach an old tunnel. Slow down and let your eyes adjust to the dark.
Beyond the tunnel the trail continues north, skirting past Lake Omapere - Northlands largest lake which is also significant in Maori mythology - before reaching the small town of Okaihau, 13.5 km from Kaikohe. Here there is a small ford to cross and another tunnel, right under the main street. Okaihau has two dairies, a takeaways shop, a pub and even a hardware store. After refuelling, head back the same way. The last section into Kaikohe is gently downhill.
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Comments
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Over Easter I completed the trail from Kaikohe to Okaihau return and as others have stated it is a credit to the builders as was an enjoyable ride on a well constructed trail. It was great to see so many people on the trail especially families so it is definately being well utilised. The Kaikohe end is well signposted with good parking.
However, there is more to ride than that one section.
From the Kaikohe end drive into town and turn right onto Station Road East. Just past the park (approx 600m) is the entrance to another fully completed short stage of 7km. Its well signposted. Unfortunately it stops when it meets Mangakahia Rd and by the look of the some signs on the fences from the land owners its going to be some time before it goes any further.
Good luck and enjoy the ridePosted by Paul, 11/04/2012 1:37pm (1 month ago)
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Hi what is the ride from Opua to Kaikohe Like. ???
Posted by Dianne , 06/03/2012 9:10am (2 months ago)
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Hi Lloyd,
Thanks heaps for the feedback! We appreciate the comments. Glad to hear you enjoyed your afternoon on the trail and were able to figure it out despite the lack of signage. I'll pass on your feedback to the trail constructors immediately!
Also extremely sorry we missed your email regarding parking. I've had a look through my inbox and can't seem to find it, again sorry for not getting back to you! Any queries in the future send them directly to me at ridenz (at) nzbybike (dot) com.
Happy Pedaling!Posted by Matt, 29/08/2011 3:57pm (9 months ago)
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We have just cycled on the twin coast trail from Okaihau to Kaikohe and back. We had a brilliant afternoon, and you have done a spectacular job creating this cycle path. But... May I echo the comments from Leanne last week? The signposts for the cycle trail at the Okaihau end need to be in the village, not 100m down the track past the carpark (that we never found until we cycled past it because it's not signposted!) The trail is great; well-built, well-fenced and we will recommend it to all our friends (we only live 5km from it) so huge congratulations for the completion of this part of the project. But if this is to succeed long-term, it must be embraced by the locals around it as part of our backyard. As it was, we asked where the trail starts from a lovely lady in the very nearby dairy, and she didn't know, even though it's only round the corner!
One final thought; we emailed the website to ask where to park/how secure the parking is etc a few days ago. We had no reply. It's a good thing we're not tourists visiting from afar...
Overall, a great project well-executed. Please don't let it fail for lack of a little detail!Posted by Lloyd Jerome, 28/08/2011 4:51pm (9 months ago)
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Hi, we have cycled the 14km there and back today, whilst it was most enjoyable, I have to comment that it is very poorly signposted at the Okaihau end and make sure you don't need to use the public toilets here, we skipped the filth and used a bush along the way!!
Posted by Leanne Watson, 21/08/2011 4:48pm (9 months ago)
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Hi Anne! Currently the 14km section from Okaihau to Kaikohe is open for riding with more sections planned to open closer to summer. We'll be sure to post any updates here!
Posted by NZbyBIke, 08/08/2011 1:07pm (9 months ago)
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When is this track due to open or is it open? Please send me details.
Posted by Anne Houliston, 29/07/2011 6:52pm (10 months ago)
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