A Taste of the Trail - $42
Opua to Kawakawa Return 20km
Experience the best part of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail from Opua to Kawakawa! A scenic and family-friendly adventure. Depart from Paihia in purpose-built mountain bike trailer and vans, and get dropped in the nearby Port town of Opua. Start following the old railway tracks, a flat and very scenic trail from Opua to Kawakawa, taking in the train tunnel, rail bridges and historic towns. Spend some time for lunch or a snack in historic Kawakawa, checking out the famous Huntertwasser Toilets,
Afterwards, retrace your tracks and follow the meandering Kawakawa River through to the seaside Opua. Time for another coffee or bite to eat before your shuttle takes you back to your accommodation or Paihia Mountain Bikes HQ in Paihia for a well-deserved rest.
This trail is 11km in each direction (22km return). It is all off the main road, a very easy gradient and achievable by all levels of fitness so great for all ages and abilities. If you are wanting a longer ride, please feel free to continue exploring up the trail as far as you like
Departs Paihia:
8:30am, 10:30am, 1pm
Return Paihia:
12:30pm, 2:30pm, 5pm (approx)
The Full Trail - $159
Day 1: Kaikohe to Opua 45kms
Day 2: Kaikohe to Horeke 44kms
Day 1: Depart from Paihia in the morning, and get dropped at Kaikohe in their purpose built mountain bike trailer and shuttle van. Today, ride the trail all downhill from Kaikohe to Opua (45km) taking in the train tunnel, swing and rail bridges, traditional Maori community buildings (marae’s) and historic towns. Spend some time for lunch in historic Kawakawa, checking out the famous Huntertwasser Toilets and Vintage Railway and Steamtrain running through the main street in town.
After your break, follow the meandering Kawakawa River through one of the most scenic sections of the trail to the seaside town of Opua. Time for another coffee or bite to eat before your shuttle takes you back to your accommodation or PaIhiaMTB HQ in Paihia for a well-deserved sleep.
Day 2: Depart from Paihia in the morning again, heading for Kaikohe for the second day of 44km riding. This time, you will be riding in the opposite direction (but still downhill!) all the way past picturesque Lake Omapere on the old Rail Corridor to Okaihau for a rest stop. Carry on riding down through the beautiful Utakura Vally, following bubbling streams through backcountry farmland and untouched rural New Zealand. Some of these sights are 'only in Northland' type views.
Stop along the way for a break at the lily-pond or at one of the many picnic tables or patches of grass dotted along the route. Finish your ride on a 2km boardwalk over the mangroves before a cold drink or brew at the famous Horeke Tavern, right on the edge of the Hokianga Harbour. It is well worth to continue riding a further 3km to the Mangungu Mission Station at the end of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Your shuttle will take you back to Paihia from here at Horeke.
Departs Paihia (Day 1)
8:30am
Return Paihia (Day 1)
12:30 or 2:30pm (approx)
Departs Paihia (Day 2)
8:30am
Return Paihia (Day 2)
3:30pm (approx)
All the trips include quality front suspension or low-rise (easy access) bike hire- the ultimate in luxury riding, transport for pick up and drop off, padded gel seat (to make it even comfier), helmet, map, repair kit, pump, lock and all trail advice
About Paihia Mountain Bikes
Paihia Mountain Bikes are located 4km away from Waitangi Mountain Bike Park and 6km away from the Twin Coast Rail Trail, so to say that it's in a handy location would be an understatement. They service the entire Twin Coast Cycle Trail and can arrange transport right along the route. They have bikes for all ages and skills, from beginner riders to the more competent. So get out there and ride.
