Getting here and there
Are you unsure of the best way to get to this beautiful part of the world? We get asked all the time, “What is the best way to travel to the trail?” To be honest, it depends on whether you’re travelling with bikes, where you’re coming from, and how much time you have. So we have put together the four most common ways to travel—and some info to help you decide what works for you and your group!
Large parts of Northland are rural – and traversing this part of the country on public transport is not commonly available. So you will find that most options travel go to the East Coast, the West Coast is less serviced.
Travelling by Car or Motorhome?
The most common travel option is to travel to Northland in your own vehicle (or rental), preferred because it allows you to explore more and to do it in your own time. Having your own vehicle will give you greater access to the West Coast.
- Driving from Auckland to Ōpua – is approximately 3 hours drive directly along the East Coast of the North Island.
- Alternatively, you can take the less-traveled Kauri Coast (aka the West Coast) via the Hokianga.
- Parking is readily available at all access points of the trail.
Want to Fly in?
- Most flights to Kerikeri fly out of Auckland’s domestic terminal.
- Flight time is 45 minutes, Auckland – Kerikeri Airport
- Both rental cars and taxis are available from Kerikeri Airport; we do recommend booking beforehand.
- Kerikeri airport to Twin Coast Cycle Trail towns:
- 27km to Kaikohe
- 16km to Ōkaihau
- 23km to Paihia
- 28km to Ōpua
- 39km to Hōreke
Want to travel via Bus?
If you have not booked a guided coach tour to Northland, you can catch an InterCity bus. Buses depart from Auckland Airport and from most cities in New Zealand to Kerikeri or Paihia.
- Drive time is between 8-9 hours
- If travelling with your bike – be sure to communicate this with Intercity, as bikes can incur an additional fee.
Want a shuttle while your here?
Regardless of how you get to Northland, traveling to and from the trail is made much easier with a shuttle pick-up or drop-off that can easily accommodate bikes. Again, this is fairly straightforward as there are two shuttle options—both based out of Kaikohe. Twin Coast Adventures and Top Trail both offer shuttle services for trail users.
- Please book in advance of your travel
Travelling over water?
Why stop when the trail ends?? Likes the names suggest – the trail will take you from coast-coast. At both the beginning and end points of the trail you can catch a ferry to explore more of the exciting places near the trail.
- At the Ōpua end of the trail – catch the Northland Ferry to Russell.
- At the Horeke end of the trail – catch the Ranui Ferry to Kohukohu and Rawene.
- Or make your way to Rawene (South Hokianga) and catch the Hokianga Ferry to Narrows (North Hokianga)