Okaihau to Horeke

Trail Status – open Distance – 28km Grade – 2 – 3

Trail Highlights

Storyboards on the Settlers Way / Horeke Road
Panoramic views looking out toward Puketi Forest
Cycling through the valley beside the Utakura River, spot for a rest at the picnic spot
Lilly Pond adjacent to the trail
1200m boardwalk through the Mangroves
Mangungu Mission House – a surreal location which is rich in history with spectacular views of the Harbour
Wairere Boulders just a few km off the trail

From Horeke you can explore the rest of the Hokianga The Ranui – Passenger and Cycle Transport Service This beautiful boat provides a number of great options, you need to call them to book phone 022 644 3599 This is more than just a boat ride – the skippers tell you the most amazing stories and bring the Harbour to life! The scenery is amazing! And the trip becomes a memorable part of your time on the cycle trail! Take time to explore the area. Passenger and Cycle transport service between Horeke and Kohukohu. Cyclists can then cycle from Kohukohu to the Kohu-Ra vehicular ferry (4km) and cross to Rawene Running passengers with or without bikes BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL There is a scheduled crossing each Tuesday and Friday at 12 noon. Horeke to Kohukohu. $40 inc bike to Kohukohu The Ranui transport service does run often but you must call to book your transfer – 022 644 3599 If there is only one or two people on the transfer the price will increase. There is plenty of accommodation in Kohukohu and Rawene

Dogs on the Trail

Dogs are permitted on some sections of the trail but must be on a lead. No dogs allowed in the following areas: 1. Between the Macadamia Orchard (Horeke Rd west of Okaihau settlement) through farmland through to Mangataraire Road. This is a 12.5km section of trail. (Okaihau to Horeke) 2. There are a number parcels of land adjacent to Horeke Road managed under the Utakura No. 7 Inc. which prohibit dogs and horses. (Okaihau to Horeke) 3. The section of cycle trail which comes off Ngapipito Road (Moerewa) and navigates to the suspension bridges also prohibits dogs. (Kawakawa to Kaikohe) Please check out the full Trail Code

Okaihau is a small settlement that services its nearby rural community. There is a café, takeaways, small supermarket and public toilets.
Heading South West out of town for a few kilometres, the trail is beside the road, you will pass by lots of points of interest, churches and the war memorial gates all with storyboards near them which are well worth stopping to read.
Once you move off the roadside you enter farmland and an amazing view down the Utakura Valley, heading down the trail via a series of switchback to a beautiful part of the trail cycling along the beside the Utakura River surrounded by bush clad hills.
Coming out of the farmland the trail is by the roadside before you come to the 1km boardwalk through the Mangrove Estuary to Hokianga Harbour.
At the old Horeke Fire Station the trail shares the road for approx 3 km to the end terminus at Mangungu Mission House – a heritage site.
Horeke is a small town, nestled on the slopes of Horeke, this Wesleyan Mission house (1838-9) overlooks the stunning Hokianga Harbour. Furnished with missionary items and relics of the days. It is hidden treasure and definitely worth a visit. Toilets are located at the Horeke Community Hall and at the end terminus at Mangungu Mission House.
Wairere Boulders a few km from Horeke is a worth a visit – great walks, swimming hole, cafe and accommodation including a camping ground.

The Basics

Cell phone coverage for most of this trail is scattered
Toilet 12 Km from Okaihau or 16 kms from Horeke is at the river picnic spot
At Snow’s Farm there is a lovely picnic spot and a toilet situated by the river, with tables, old tractors dotted around and roving roosters and chickens
Grade 3 trail, it is easier to cycle from Okaihau to Horeke as a descending ride down into the valley
Detour info – There is a detour on Horeke Road which requires cyclists to ride on the road for approx 500m before re-joining the formed trail

Important – Don’t forget to lock your bike!

Parking

Okaihau

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

Horeke

Secured parking off Harrison Road (near picnic area off Horeke Road), 11kms from Okaihau to Harrison Road in Utakura
Horeke Community Hall Carpark, Horeke Road, Horeke– small carpark, 28 kms from Okaihau
Mangungu Mission Station, Horeke – small carpark, 5 kms from Horeke

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