Ngunguru Old coach road is approximately 15 kilometers from Whangarei. You can do this ride as a one-way ride starting at either end Ngunguru or Scow landing, as an out-and-back ride, or turn it into a loop, joining the ends up via the main Ngunguru Road.
Riding one way will require a vehicle at either end. We suggest you park at the Ngunguru Sports and Recreation Centre on Kopipi Crescent if starting at the Ngunguru end. If starting from the Scow landing end (closest to town), there is parking a few hundred meters up Waipoka Road. Turn left off Ngunguru road as you head towards the coast immediately after a bridge crossing the Ngunguru River into Waipoka Road. Alternatively, you can park on the right at Scow Landing and cross Ngunguru road and head up Waipoka road.
It is an uphill gravel road to the end. At the end of the road, a track heads off to the right, it is signposted. From here it is a gentle climb to the end of the trail. You pop out onto a gravel road, (Old Kaiatea Road). Follow this downhill to the Kaiatea Road intersection. Turn left onto the sealed road and follow this up until To Te Toiora Road on your right. Another gravel road, follow this along and down all the way to Waiotoi Road and into Ngunguru. If you are finishing here you can grab a coffee at Salt Air Café, fish and chips from the takeaways, or have a swim in the estuary.
If riding a loop you head back towards Whangarei along the main road to Scow landing. Note this road does not have any verge and traffic can be traveling very fast. It is a more pleasant riding experience to return the same way you came.
Starting and finishing in Ngunguru makes a coffee or a swim a little more feasible.
Distance: 15km one-way or 30km return.
Surface: Gravel, some clay 4WD tracks, sealed
Bikes: Suitable for MTB, Gravel Bikes, E-Bikes
Time: 1 – 2 hours each way
