OPUA TO KAWAKAWA
Open for the summer starting Boxing Day Opua Kawakawa section.
First Option
From Opua:
Access from Opua to Te Ake Ake 4.4 km then catch the train at Te Ake Ake – check out timetable for train schedule and have a gold coin donation .
The Train takes you through to Taumarere where you can cycle on the trail 3.2 km into Kawakawa arriving at Te Hononga Civic Centre.
From Kawakawa:
Cycle to Taumarere is an easy short ride 3.2 km and catch the train to Te Ake Ake for a gold coin donation then cycle 4.4 km to Opua.
A Second Route or Loop Option
A second route is a temporary alternative road 17.7 km route known as the Opua Whangae Road Trail that is for experienced adult cyclists between Opua and Kawakawa bringing cyclists in to the town at Te Hononga Civic Centre.
Bay of Islands loop a day option for adult riders.
Cyclists can then cycle through to Taumarere to catch the train to Te Ake Ake then cycle the remaining 4.4 km back to Opua.
Signage with maps and details for both rides will be at the original start of the Great Ride at the Baffin St, at Opua.
Opua to Kawakawa
Trail Status – 1 Alert: As Above – Open for the summer starting Boxing Day Opua Kawakawa section.
Distance – 11km
Grade – 1 easy
Trail Highlights
- Opua – beautiful marina
- Cycling next to the water – marina views, mangrove, estuary and crossing rivers
- Akeake tunnel
- Taumarere Long Bridge
- Taumarere Railway Station – toilet and picnic spot
- Hundertwasser architecture at the toilets in Kawakawa
- Te Hononga Kawakawa
Trail Overview
- You can ride the trail in both directions. The two most popular options are riding from east to west (Opua to Horeke) or downhill in both directions from the centre of the trail which is located in Kaikohe.
- Starting in Opua this section is unique in that some of it is disused rail corridor that you are cycling along or through as there is a train tunnel. Share the trail with vintage trains from the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. You may take bikes aboard the trains between Taumarere and Kawakawa Stations. It is a very easy ride with stunning water views.
- Opua is a bustling commercial port with a large marina and boatyard. It is the first port for oversea yachts arriving in NZ after crossing the Pacific Ocean. Opua also has the car ferry from Russell.
- The cycle trail starts at the end of Baffin Street, Opua.
- 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 also travel along the main street, the only place in NZ where this happens
The Basics
- Keep to the trail and do not cycle on the railway line
- On the trail – One toilet at Taumarere train station
- Flat, easy, scenic cycling
- Parking, toilets and food at both Opua and Kawakawa
- For 3 km from Taumarere station to Kawakawa you will share the trail with the train please make sure you do not ride on the tracks.
- 3 km from Taumarere station to Kawakawa – You can also experience a steam train ride – the train is specially set up for cyclist and bikes and welcome you aboard. Train timetable and costs. http://www.bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz/
Important – Don’t forget to lock your bike!
Parking
Opua
- Baffin St carpark at the entrance to cycle trail
Along trail
- United Kawakawa Rugby /Netball Club – 7km from Opua 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)