Kawakawa to Kaikohe

The longest section of the cycle trail. Enjoy rural farming outlooks, forestry views, and small Northland communities. Discover the wooden truss bridges at Tūhipa!

Distance: 34km

Grade: 1-2

Trail highlights

  • Twin suspension bridges at Tuhipa
  • The Orauta Stream
  • Rural scenery cycling through farmland
  • The Pioneer Village in Kaikohe – Visitor Hub

 

Trail overview

  • Kawakawa is a bustling rural town with some big tourist attractions
  • The perfect toilet stop is Hundertwasser toilets. There are cafes, a small supermarket, museum, art gallery.
  • Leaving Kawakawa from just behind the railway station, the trail takes you past the back of Moerewa town, passing the disused wood mill and other industrial areas giving you an insight into a rural small town in New Zealand. In Moerewa, there is a public toilet, a bakery, a small supermarket, a butchery, and a takeaway in town.
  • The next 25km of the trail is a gradual incline to Kaikohe, passing beautiful waterfalls, the impressive Orauta Stream suspension bridges, and rolling farmland.
  • Before you reach Kaikohe you will pass Kaikohe Aerodrome. Built in 1942 as a United States Marines bomber base, it is the largest grass strip in the Southern hemisphere used now by general aviation.
  • Arriving in Kaikohe you are at the highest point of the trail. Kaikohe is a farming town in which you will find plenty of eateries, supermarkets and accommodation places.
  • In Kaikohe visit the Pioneer Village, just 200 metres off the trail. The Pioneer Village is a 5-acre outdoor museum, full of historic buildings and old treasures. It welcomes visitors with its friendly staff, and also offers tea, coffee and water!
  • The Pioneer Village is the hub for the cycle trail and where you can find the office for Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail

The Basics

  • Parking, toilets and food at Kawakawa, Moerewa and Kaikohe
  • There is a toilet on the trail – in Rakautao (16.9 kms from Kawakawa) 
  • Travelling East to West there is a slight incline as you travel to Kaikohe for approx. 3 kms
  • Along Ngapipito Road between Ōtiria and Kaikohe there is a road detour that requires cyclists to ride on the road for about 500m before re-joining the formed trail

Important – Don’t forget to lock your bike!

Parking

Kawakawa

  • Johnson Park, Kawakawa
  • Kawakawa Railway Station, Gillies Street
  • In the public car park opposite the Star Hotel (access from Old Whangae Rd)

Moerewa

  • Station Road (near Taumarere School)

Kaikohe

  • Station Road (opposite Kaikohe Refuse Centre – small carpark)
  • Taheke Road Reserve (adjacent to Taheke Rd, SH12 – main carpark)