Kaikohe to Okaihau
Kaikohe to Okaihau
Trail Status – open
Distance – 14km
Grade – 1 – 2
Trail Highlights
- Kaikohe is approximately the middle of the cycle trail
- The Pioneer Village in Kaikohe
- 80 metre long curved Rail tunnel. Handy hint! Let your eyes adjust to the dark before entering or dismount your bike and walk
- Summit of Kaikohe – views of the sand dunes in Hokianga Harbour to the West and Mt Hikurangi to the South
- Lake Omapere – Northland’s longest lake and also significant in Maori mythology
- The water ford close to Okaihau – 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 Okaihau 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 80m long curved rail tunnel that was built in 1915 before descending to Lake Omapere.
- Despite having the highest point of the trail – it is a easy grade 1 to 2 ride.
- Okaihau 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 Okaihau
- 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 – Okaihau – 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
Okaihau
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- Two Ponga Park (next to public toilets), Okaihau
- Okaihau Community Hall, Settlers Way, Okaihau
- Imms Road (off Lake Road), Okaihau – small carpark
The Opua to Taumarere Long bridge section of the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail is temporary closed Monday to Friday (weekdays) from 26 July to 6 August 2021 however, this section will be open over the weekend of July 31 – August 1.