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

    • Two Ponga Park (next to public toilets), Ōkaihau
    • Ōkaihau Community Hall, Settlers Way, Ōkaihau
    • Imms Road (off Lake Road), Ōkaihau – small carpark