NAU MAI, HAERE MAI.

1. Via Taumarere & Te Ake Ake / Grade 1 • 11km • 1 hour

You will need to take a train ride to get from Taumarere to Te Ake Ake if riding from Kawakawa, or vice versa if riding from Ōpua, to complete this part of your journey. 

Summer 2023/24 Train Schedule

01 November to 14 December

15 December to 11 February 

Three trains will depart Kawakawa daily at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. 

12 February  to 01 April 

Three trains will depart Kawakawa on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. 

Click here to view full train schedule including times for Taumarere or Te Ake Ake Stations. Cyclists embarking at Taumarere or Te Ake Ake pay a gold coin donation. 

Between Te Ake Ake and Ōpua the trail continues alongside the river. This was once the main access way for Māori travelling to and from the area. Ponder the history and enjoy stunning estuarine scenery on your way to or from Ōpua.

2. Via Whangae & Oromahoe Roads / Grade 3 • 17km • 1.5 hours

This is an alternative route on quiet country roads suitable for experienced riders. There are hills that require a reasonable fitness level, especially if riding from Kawakawa, but there is also plenty of downhill freewheeling. This route will take you through farmland and the beautiful Ōpua State Forest, with its stately Kauri trees and panoramic ocean views.

The easiest way to ride this route is to start at the Top O’ The Hill reserve on the corner of SH11 and English Bay Road in Ōpua. Follow the signs along Oromahoe Road and Whangae Road, then cross the Kawakawa River plain to arrive at Te Hononga in Kawakawa.