Okaihau to Horeke
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 – Ferry 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 ferry service between Horeke and Kohukohu. Cyclists can cycle to the Ferry (4km) and cross to Rawene
Running passengers with or without bikes
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
There is a set ferry each Tuesday around midday. Horeke to Kohukohu
$40 inc bike to Kohukohu
The Ferry 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 a lead except in the following areas:
1. Between the Macadamia Orchard (Horeke Rd) through Mangataraire Roads. 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)
4. The section of cycle trail which comes off Ngapipito Road (Moerewa) and navigates to the suspension bridges also prohibits dogs.
Please note: dogs must be on a lead at all times.
- 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.
- Wairere Boulders a few km from Horeke is a worth a visit – great walks, swimming hole, cafe and accommodation.
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
- Lovely picnic spot at the toilet 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 – need distances ??
Horeke
- Secured parking off Harrison Road (near picnic area off Horeke Road), 11kms from Okaihau to Harrison Road in Utakura
- Horeke Hall Carpark, Horeke Road, Horeke– small carpark
- Mangungu Mission Station, Horeke – small carpark