Northland Experiences

This fully supported e-bike loop heads from Kerikeri to Cape Reinga and back, taking in beaches, coastlines, native forest and sites of deep cultural significance. The route begins at the Rainbow Warrior memorial at Matauri Bay and follows the Twin Coast Discovery route to Māngonui.

From Houhora, riders tackle the final 20 km to Cape Reinga, where Māori believe spirits depart, then ride part of the Tour Aotearoa route back. Day 4 brings the Coast to Coast Challenge, dipping in both the Pacific and Tasman within 15 km, before reaching Ahipara on Ninety Mile Beach.

The last day passes through Puketi Kauri Forest to the historic Kerikeri Basin, ending with a celebratory dinner.

Highlights:

• Rainbow Warrior memorial at Matauri Bay
• Cycling to Cape Reinga and walking to the lighthouse
• The Coast to Coast Challenge, Pacific to Tasman in a day
• Ninety Mile Beach at Ahipara
• Puketi Kauri Forest
• Stone Store and Kemp House at Kerikeri Basin

Surface and terrain:
A mix of State Highway (Cape Reinga to Awanui and short sections) and quiet back-country roads, both sealed and unsealed. No formed cycle trail. Some hills, including the ride through Puketi Forest.

Weather:
Sub-tropical climate with mild winters.

Suitable for:
Riders with some cycling experience. Distances are flexible, and the minibus is always available for breaks.

This guided five-day e-bike tour passes some of Northland's great natural landmarks, from Waipoua Forest's ancient kauri to the volcanic peaks of Maungaraho and Tokatoka. The route uses quiet backroads, old highways, harbour edges, river valleys and parts of the new Kaihu Valley Trail.

Starting from Paihia, the group crosses to Waipoua to visit Tāne Mahuta, then rides through the forest to Donnellys Crossing and Trounson Kauri Park, before two nights at Kai Iwi Lakes. The journey continues to the remote Kaipara Harbour and finishes in the Bay of Islands.

The last day crosses the Mangakahia farmland to the Parakao Store, then visits the historic Ruapekapeka Pā battlefield before a transfer back to Paihia.

Highlights:

• Tāne Mahuta and Waipoua Forest
• Trounson Kauri Park
• Two nights at Kai Iwi Lakes
• Kaihu Valley Trail
• Maungaraho, Tokatoka and the Kaipara Harbour
• Ruapekapeka Pā

Surface and terrain:
Quiet backroads, harbour edges and river valleys, plus the Kaihu Valley Trail, which is mainly compacted gravel and rated Grade 2.

Weather: Sub-tropical climate with mild winters.

This fully supported e-bike tour crosses Northland on the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail, one of New Zealand's Great Rides, adding a similar distance of hand-picked back roads. From Paihia, riders head west to Horeke on the Hokianga Harbour, staying at New Zealand's first pub.

The route explores Wairere Boulders, Mangungu Mission House, a Ranui boat crossing to Kohukohu and the villages of Rawene and Omapere, with a night-time Footprints Waipoua walk to Tāne Mahuta. A flexible day in Omapere allows biking, hiking or relaxing.

Riders then return east via Kawakawa's Hundertwasser Park Centre to Russell and the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, before finishing in Kerikeri with a vineyard farewell dinner.

Highlights:

• Cycling the Twin Coast Cycle Trail coast to coast
• Wairere Boulders and Mangungu Mission House
• Ranui boat crossing and the villages of Kohukohu and Rawene
• Footprints Waipoua twilight walk to Tāne Mahuta
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Manea Footprints of Kupe and Pompallier House
• Russell, and a farewell dinner at a Kerikeri vineyard

Surface and terrain:
Mostly off-road cycle trail (rail corridors, suspension bridges, estuaries) plus quiet sealed and unsealed back roads. Some hills, headlands and river valleys.

Weather:
Sub-tropical climate with mild winters, allowing year-round riding.

Suitable for:
All abilities, including riders new to e-bikes. Families with teenagers have reviewed it positively.