Trail overview

• Ōkaihau 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 switchbacks 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 Hōreke Fire Station the trail shares the road for approx 3km to the trail end at Mangungu Mission House – a heritage site
• Hōreke is a small town. Nestled on the slopes of Hōreke, this Mission house (1838-39) overlooks the stunning Hokianga Harbour, furnished with missionary items and relics of the days. It is a hidden treasure and definitely worth a visit.
• Wairere Boulders, a few kilometres from Hōreke, is worth a visit – great walks, swimming hole, cafe and accommodation