
Kaikohe to Ōkaihau
This is our most popular 1-day section. If you have limited time to spend on the trail and would just like a short trip, then this is the section for you.
Distance: 14km
Grade: 1-2
Trail highlights
- Kaikohe is the midway point of the cycle trail
- Kaikohe is home to the Pioneer Village and the Cycle Hub
- Leaving Kaikohe, there is an 80-metre-long curved rail tunnel. Handy hint: Let your eyes adjust to the dark before entering, remove your sunglasses and/or dismount your bike and walk.
- North of Kaikohe is Lake Ōmāpere – Northland’s largest lake, which flows to the Hokianga.
- The water ford close to Ōkaihau – you can cycle through it or take the bridge beside it
- Changing views – native bush, farms and the lake
Trail overview
- Kaikohe is a farming town in which you will find plenty of eateries and two supermarkets
- Take the time to visit the Kaikohe Pioneer Village
- The trail between Kaikohe and Ōkaihau follows a disused railway corridor, leaving east of town the trail climbs gently to the highest point of the trail at 280 metres above the coast
- You will pass through an 80-metre long curved rail tunnel that was built in 1915 before descending to Lake Omapere
- Despite having the highest point of the trail it is an easy Grade 1-2 ride
- Ōkaihau is a small settlement that services its nearby rural community. You will find a café, takeaways, small supermarket and public toilets there.
The Basics
- Parking, toilets and food at both Kaikohe and Ōkaihau
- Entering the trail – Kaikohe – The entrance is on the main road (SH12/Takehe Rd) close to a rest area 600m past the Mid North Motor Inn
- Entering the trail – Ōkaihau – As you turn off SH1 – Nova Street, Two Ponga park, are just past the public toilets
Important – Don’t forget to lock your bike!
Parking
Kaikohe
- Station Road (opposite Kaikohe Refuse Centre – small carpark)
- Taheke Road Reserve (adjacent to Taheke Rd, SH12) 600m past township heading towards Tahere – main carpark
Ōkaihau
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- Two Ponga Park (next to public toilets), Ōkaihau
- Ōkaihau Community Hall, Settlers Way, Ōkaihau
- Imms Road (off Lake Road), Ōkaihau – small carpark