Ōpua to Kawakawa
This section allows travellers two options. Option one includes a 3.6km train trip and 7.4km of cycle trail, Grade 1. Option two is 17km of gravel road cycling, Grade 3.
Distance: 28km
Grade: 1
Trail highlights
- Ōpua boasts beautiful a marina
- Cycling next to the water – marina views, mangroves, estuary and river crossings
- 5km 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
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Baffin St carpark at the entrance to cycle trail
Along trail
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United Kawakawa Rugby /Netball Club carpark – 7km from Ōpua and 4km from Kawakawa
Kawakawa
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Johnson Park, Kawakawa
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Kawakawa Railway Station, Gillies Street
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In the public car park opposite the Star Hotel (access from Old Whangae Rd)