Cycle to beautiful Russell on day 1

Twin Coast Rail Trail

Duration
4 days
Site savings
$11
From
$1,084 USD

This 4-day tour will take you from the Bay of Islands on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island to the Hokianga Harbour on the west coast. The Bay of Islands, known now for its good sailing, has a rich history. Named by Captain Cook, it was home of the first European early settlers, and the historic towns dotted along its coast contain the oldest wooden and stone structures in the country. Horeke, on the beautiful Hokianga Harbour, is home to New Zealand's oldest hotel. Much of the tour follows the disused Bay of Island's vintage railway.

  • Category
    Easy-going & Leisurely
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    4 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    1 - Beginner
  • Activity Level
    2 - Moderate
  • Elevation
    1 - Easy
  • Terrain
    Agricultural
  • Distance
    52.2 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    26.1 miles
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Quick Stats

  • Duration
    4 days
  • Main Destination
    North Island
  • Distance
    52.2 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    26.1 miles
  • Elevation
    1 - Easy
  • Terrain
    Agricultural

Route Map (click to view larger image)

Itinerary Details

  1. Day 1Auckland to Russell

    You will be met in the morning at your hotel in Auckland and drive –about 4 hrs –to Russell. On the drive you will pass Warkworth, Dome Valley, the Brynderwyn Hills and the outskirts of Whangarei.


    • Hananui Lodge or similar
    • Lunch and Dinner
  2. Day 2Russell to Kaikohe

    After breakfast this morning, you will catch the car ferry that crosses the Veronica Channel to get to Opua. From here you will commence cycling on the disused railway line towards Kawakawa (this section includes a short ride on the steam train to Kawakawa). Kawakawa is known for its famous Hundertwasser toilets designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser who lived in the town from 1975 until his death in 2000.

    From Kawakawa, you will follow a scenic cycle track to Kaikohe. Kaikohe is situated on the slopes of a prominent volcanic cone; it is Northland’s largest inland town servicing the farming, horticulture and forestry industries.

    Opua to Kaikohe: approximately 42 km/ 26 mi

    • 26.1 miles
    • Paheke Lodge or similar
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  3. Day 3Kaikohe to Horeke

    Today you will continue riding along the disused railway line from Kaikohe to Okaihau, climbing very gently and passing through a short tunnel. The views of the surrounding countryside are excellent.

    At the small settlement of Okaihau (meaning “Feast of the Winds” referring to the fact that the settlement sits on a ridge overlooking the upper reaches of the Hokianga harbour), you'll enjoy a fantastic descent, with a final flat run to the night's lodging.

    Kaikohe to Horeke: approximately 42 km / 26 mi

    • 26.1 miles
    • Riverhead Guest House or similar
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  4. Day 4Horeke to Auckland

    Today, you'll drive back to Auckland, stopping at the Waipoua Kauri forest and the Kauri Museum. The museum tells the story of the local pioneers involved in the Kauri industry.


    • Breakfast