Best Mountain Bike Trails in Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail
The Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail is an 87km Great Ride connecting the Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour, traversing Northland's breadth through native forests, lakes, and historic towns. The trail features rail tunnels, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and mostly flat terrain with gentle climbs (Grades 1-3), making it suitable for most riders, with an iconic section requiring a vintage train ride.
Trails
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 trails
Easy
34.4m
248m
-53m
191h 35m
Mostly gravel based and separated from the road, there's a 300m or 500m [signage doesn't match] on-road detour and multiple road crossings to be very aware off.Trends up towards Kaikohe.TrailForks' elevation estimate here is way off, it's approx 100m of climbing.
Easiest
13.2m
216m
-184m
72h 34m
An easy undulating ride that takes you to the towns of Kaikohe and Okaihau, the Kaikohe aerodrome, through an old rail tunnel, through wetlands, pine forests and native bush and past Lake Omapere. The trail between Kaikohe and Okaihau follows a disused railway corridor and takes you through an 80m long curving disused rail tunnel built in 1915.
Advanced
13.9m
334m
-340m
Ride up the beach from Mitimiti then take the 'hike a bike' Golden stairs track to Pawarenga. This is only ridable for 2 or 3 hours either side of low tide. Parts are steep and rocky with vertical exposure. No water or assistance of any kind available and there is plenty of type two fun. Would be do-able either direction. These notes from south to north. Enter the beach at Mitimiti 600m past the school. Sand surface firm and rideable. Bypass the rocky headland of Ahoroa rock by taking the steep 4wd track after Moerewa point (see topo maps) Look for the start of the Golden Stairs track winding up through the scrub as you ride up the final section of the beach. The track is about 25% rideable with the rest pushing or carrying through moderate scrub and open grassy areas. Awesome views as you follow the ridge high above the Whangape harbour. The descent at the northern end is a steep zig zag down a scree slope. Once on the beach, it is a 2.5 km 'ride' over sharp volcanic rock opening to firm sand as you near Pawarenga. Expect to spend 1 1/2 hours between Mitimiti and Golden stairs and 2 1/2 hours on the Golden stairs and northern beach. A good gravel road connects Pawarenga and Mitimiti making a great 50km loop.
Easy
22.8m
239m
-464m
122h 51m
Easiest
10.9m
179m
-164m
112h 16m
The trail between Taumarere and Opua follows the old rail line. It is located right beside the Opua Harbour and follows the Waikare estuary. The ride is flat, easy to ride and perfect for families. It provides views of the estuary connecting to the Kawakawa River.