ALTERNATE ROAD ROUTE CLOSED TO BIKES | BOOK TRAIN IN ADVANCE

Ōpua to Kawakawa

This section involves a 4km cycle from Ōpua, then a 4km train ride and a final 3km cycle to Kawakawa. An alternative 17km Grade 3 route through Oramahoe and Whangae on a quiet country road is available for more experienced and confident cyclists if preferred.

Bookings for train are essential and need to be booked in advance. Click here to book the train.

Distance: 11km (Includes 4km train ride)

Time: 1.5 hours

Grade: 1

Trail highlights

  • Ōpua boasts beautiful a marina
  • Cycling next to the water – marina views, mangroves, estuary and river crossings
  • 4km train journey on a vintage train
  • Taumārere Station – scenic views
  • Hundertwasser architecture at the toilets in Kawakawa
  • Te Hononga – Hundertwasser Memorial Park in Kawakawa

Trail overview

  • Ōpua is a bustling commercial port with a large marina and boatyard. It is the first port for overseas yachts arriving in NZ after crossing the Pacific Ocean. Ōpua also has the car ferry to Russell.
  • The cycle trail starts at the end of Baffin Street, Ōpua
  • Your destination, Kawakawa, is a vibrant rural town with some big tourist attractions
  • The perfect toilet stop in Kawakawa is Hundertwasser Toilets. There are cafes, a small supermarket, museum, art gallery, and plenty of craft and gift shops.
  • Visit Te Hononga, a Hundertwasser-inspired community hub
  • The vintage trains travels along the main street (SH1), the only place in New Zealand where a train crosses a state highway.

Parking

Ōpua

  • Baffin St carpark at the entrance to cycle trail

Along trail

  • United Kawakawa Rugby /Netball Club carpark –  7km from Ōpua and 4km from Kawakawa

Kawakawa

  • Johnson Park, Kawakawa

  • Kawakawa Railway Station, Gillies Street

  • In the public car park opposite the Star Hotel (access from Old Whangae Rd)