Northland Cycle

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Auckland to Baylys Beach

   You will meet in Auckland at 8:30am for a bike fit and tour briefing. You will then drive northwards out of Auckland for approx 2 hours to the start of our cycle tour at Paparoa. Starting with a short warm-up ride through rolling hills through rural communities where you will turn off at Matakohe to go to the Kauri Museum for lunch. The tour operator recommends taking time to visit this amazing display which tells the stories of the pioneers and the history on the Kauri Coast, you can see the world's largest kauri slab and the uses of the beautiful kauri timber (optional visit).

   The afternoon is a flat ride as you follow the Wairoa River into the small town of Dargaville through prime kumara growing country. The final 13km (8mi) is undulating and brings you to Baylys Beach, a huge expanse of white sands. You will have time to relax and walk on the beach before dinner, then a sunset walk to view the sun setting into the ocean is an evening must do.
   

   • 40.4 miles
   • 1,082.7 ft
     1,082.7 ft
   • Accommodation at Baylys Beach
   • Lunch and Dinner
2. Day 2Baylys Beach to Omapere

   The day starts off with an easy 33km (20mi) as you retrace your steps from Baylys Beach and then head northwards towards the more challenging hill section in the Waipoua Forest. Here the road becomes enclosed by thick lush native forest as it winds through magnificent stands of tall kauri, rimu and northern rata, and offers extensive views in a few places. The sag wagon is, as always, available to take the hard work out of the hills. You will take a slight side detour to the lunch site alongside the Waipoua River.

   The climbing continues after lunch and at the top of the last major climb, you will take a rest from the bike to walk through the forest. Here you can admire Tane Mahuta, 'Lord of the Forest'. With a girth of 13.77m it is New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree. As you leave the forest you are greeted with views of the surrounding hills and the descent to Pakia Hill Lookout rewards you with spectacular views of Hokianga Harbour and the large sand dunes across the bay.

   You will continue to descend into Omapere and your accommodation for the night. The hotel has a waterfront setting and you will have time to relax and enjoy this special place. Tonight you are free to make your own dinner arrangements.
   

   • 51 miles
   • 3,773 ft
     3,773 ft
   • Hotel in Omapere
   • Breakfast and Lunch
3. Day 3Omapere to Ahipara

   Your scenic ride today starts as you skirt the shores of the beautiful Hokianga Harbour. You will pass through Opononi which became famous when a bottlenose dolphin "Opo" started swimming with children in the summer of 1955/56. You will continue along quiet rural roads to Rawene where you will take a car ferry across the harbour. The road continues to follow the waters edge along the side of the Mangamuka River, before turning inland and winding its way through the pretty Maungataniwha Ranges.

   The final short climb of the day takes you through the Herekino Gorge to emerge on the west coast at Ahipara on the southern end of the spectacular 90 Mile Beach.
   

   • 56.5 miles
   • 3,051.2 ft
     3,051.2 ft
   • Accommodation in Ahipara
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
4. Day 4Ahipara to Cape Reinga to Taipa Bay

   A spectacular ride today takes you to New Zealand’s northernmost point at Cape Reinga. Cape Reinga is considered the separation marker between the Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. From the lighthouse, it is possible to watch the tidal race, as the two seas clash to create unsettled waters just off the coast. At the Cape, there is a gnarled pohutukawa tree, believed to be over 800 years old. According to Maori legend, the spirits of deceased Maori leap from this tree into the ocean to return to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki.

   You will ride either north to south or south to north to take advantage of tailwinds. The road is straight and undulating with occasional views out to sea and you will make a small detour to visit the famous 90 Mile Beach. In the afternoon you will drive back down the peninsula to Awanui and onto the luxurious resort at Taipa Bay. You can enjoy a walk on the beach immediately opposite the accommodation and tonight you will have dinner overlooking the sea.
   

   • 43.5 miles
   • 2,542.7 ft
     2,542.7 ft
   • Luxurious resort at Taipa Bay
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Taipa Bay to Russell

   Today you'll experience a little more traffic as you head south towards the Bay of Islands. This morning will start with a short transfer to the start of your first ride, where you will cycle up and over a headland with a spectacular descent to Taupo Bay, recently voted as one of NZ's Top 10 beaches.

   After morning tea you can retrace your steps or load up to drive to the start of your second ride which follows the coastal road around Whangaroa Harbour. Once again the road weaves through a pretty mix of rural and coastal landscapes with some gentle climbs and long descents. You will have another picnic lunch at the stunning Taiaue Bay before a climb out of the bay and weaving inland to the end of the ride where the road meets the State Highway.

   You will load up the bikes and drive approx 45 minutes to Paihia, the main resort in the Bay of Islands. Once in Paihia, there is an option to visit the famous Maori Marae at Waitangi, scene of the signing of the peace treaty between the Maori and British Government in 1840 (entry fee payable). You will then take the passenger ferry with your bike across the harbour to the pretty seaside township of Russell, once known as the Hell Hole of the Pacific! You will stay at the historic Duke of Marlborough hotel for the next 2 nights.
   

   • 43.5 miles
   • 3,215.2 ft
     3,215.2 ft
   • Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Duke of Marlborough, Russell

     Stay at this lovely colonial-style hotel for 2 nights of the tour in an incredible location

   • 

     Duke of Marlborough, Russell

     Stay at this lovely colonial-style hotel for 2 nights of the tour in an incredible location

6. Day 6Russell - rest day

   Today you are free to relax and explore the area. There are many options for sight-seeing including Bay of Islands cruises to see the Hole in the Rock and swimming with dolphins, sea kayaking, walks along the beach, a visit to the National Maori Marae at Waitangi or some cycling on quiet roads behind Russell.

   Your guide will be happy to help suggesting tours and making any bookings. You are free to make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
   

   • Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Duke of Marlborough, Russell

     Stay at this lovely colonial-style hotel for 2 nights of the tour in an incredible location

   • 

     Duke of Marlborough, Russell

     Stay at this lovely colonial-style hotel for 2 nights of the tour in an incredible location

7. Day 7Russell to Whangarei

   Today is another spectacular coastal ride as you bike from bay to bay. The undulating route winds through beautiful northland bush, with views of the bright blue sea and white sandy beaches. The views from the high points make the climbs well worthwhile and there are several options for a swim on the way. You will reach Helena Bay after 55km (34mi) and then ride a further 5km (3mi) uphill to lunch at a lovely cafe and gallery, well known for its display of Maori crafts. There is the option to hop on the bus for a ride up the hill.

   An awesome descent takes you back to the main road at Whakapara where you can load the bikes and drive towards Whangarei. You will have the chance to view the Whangarei Falls on the way into town and relax before dinner. Tonight you will dine on the waterfront at the local marina.
   

   • 45.4 miles
   • 3,379.3 ft
     3,379.3 ft
   • Accommodation in Whangarei
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
8. Day 8Whangarei to Mangawhai Heads

   This morning you will transfer out of Whangarei to Puwera and unload the bikes. Today, another day of quiet rural roads, rolling green hills and undulating cycling takes you to Paparoa, where you will set off from on the first day. You will then transfer by vehicle to Waipu to avoid the highway. From here you can cycle along the coast road getting glimpses of the sea from behind the sand dunes and arrive at the beach at Waipu Cove.

   You then continue to the stunning Langs Beach before the road weaves uphill onto the headland through lush native bush. You will then descend to the seaside resort of Mangawhai Heads. Your accommodation is out in the country, so you will load up the bikes here and transfer to the hotel. Tonight is the last group dinner together and you will celebrate the week's cycling achievements.
   
   
   

   • 41 miles
   • 2,050.5 ft
     2,050.5 ft
   • Resort at Mangawhai Heads
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
9. Day 9Mangawhai Heads to Sandspit (Auckland)

   After breakfast in Mangawhai Heads, you will drive to the small town of Wellsford. You will cycle eastwards towards the coast, the first part of the ride is flat following the lush Whangaripo Valley. You are then greeted by the last challenge; a long climb to the top of a peninsula (where there is a short 2km section of smooth gravel) followed by a great descent taking you to the lunch stop in Leigh.

   After lunch, you will follow the undulating coastal road alongside the Whangateau Harbour and round the bays to a short peninsula called Sandspit, which marks the end of the cycle ride. You will load up the bikes and drive back to Auckland, a journey of approx 1.5-2 hours where you will say a sad farewell to your guides and new cycling companions. There will be one drop off in Parnell, Auckland and you can expect to be there around 6pm (traffic dependent).
   
   

   • 34.8 miles
   • 3,051.2 ft
     3,051.2 ft
   • Breakfast and Lunch