Route Description
The ride links two of Aotearoa’s biggest harbours. Hokianga, with its dramatic golden sand dunes in the north, and the sprawling Kaipara in the south. Between the two harbours, you will pass through the unique Northland Waipoua Kauri Forest, home to the largest known living kauri tree, Tane Mahuta, the ‘God of the Forest’! Cycling pace is a great way to experience this northern subtropical rainforest.
The last 28 km of the ride is along the Kaihu Valley Trail, a recent addition to Northland’s expanding number of shared paths.
Additional highlights of this ride are the Hokianga harbour settlements of Rawene, Opononi and Omapere and, in addition to the Waipoua Forest, a little further on is Trounsen Kauri Park. If you have time for a little side ride, detour out to Kai-iwi Lakes for a night.
Distance: 106 km—This can be combined with the Far North Cycleway & Kaipara Missing Link.
Time: 1-2 days
Elevation Gain: 1,540 m
Level: Moderate to Advanced (due to the road riding)
Suitable Bikes: Gravel, MTB, Trikes (the Kaihu Trail does have squeeze gates—an alternative is to continue to ride down State Highway 12 to Dargaville)
