Northland Cycle Tour

Package Overview

Trip Highlights
Cycle through the stunning Waipoua Forests
Visit Tane Mahuta, "Lord of the Forest" the world's largest kauri tree
Cross the beautiful Hokianga Harbour
Admire Cape Reinga, the northern most point of NZ
Savour fresh seafood throughout the tour
Visit the historic stone store in Kerikeri
Spend a free day relaxing in the magical Bay of Islands
Cycle backroads with stunning coastal views
Trip Summary
This journey into Northland takes you to the most northerly point in New Zealand. The scenery is sublime with long white beaches stretching between ancient volcanic headlands, remote dune-scapes melding into sub-tropical forests and warmer evenings yielding to spectacular bright starry nights. This itinerary provides challenging cycling as we ride from our hotel every day and aims to minimise the number of vehicle transfers. From Auckland we follow the west coast via the magnificent kauri forests where you'll encounter Tane Mahuta, New Zealand's biggest kauri tree and the stunning Hokianga Harbour with it's enormous sand dunes. The northward journey follows 90 Mile Beach and ends at Cape Reinga, where the waters of the Pacific Ocean collide with the Tasman Sea. We then head southwards down the east coast to the original capital, the harbour town of Russell, where there is a free day to explore secret beaches and climb up to a vantage point for breathtaking views. We continue to follow the coast southwards cycling bay to bay through rolling green countryside and lush native bush, to arrive back in Auckland at the conclusion of our tour. Accommodation will be a mixture of resorts and quality motels in scenic coastal locations.

Trip Grading
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trip. The Northland Cycle is graded moderate to challenging. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 90 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. The tour is fully supported and if at any stage you feel like having a rest from cycling you will be able to ride in the support vehicle.International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Bike hire (including helmet)
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Optional activities (eg. dolphin watching from Russell, visit to Treaty House at Waitangi )
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)
Tips

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Auckland to Baylys Beach

  We meet in Auckland at 9:00am for a bike fit and tour briefing and then we drive northwards out of Auckland to the start of our cycle tour. We head to Brynderwyn (a drive of approx 2 hours) and start cycling towards the west coast. The first part of the ride is rolling hills through rural communities where we turn off at Matakohe to go to the Kauri Museum for lunch. We recommend some time off the bike 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 we follow the Wairoa River into the small town of Dargaville through prime kumara growing country. Our final 13km is undulating and brings us to Baylys Beach, a huge expanse of white sands. We 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. Cycle Distance: Brynderwyn to Baylys Beach – 84km / 52miles

• Day 2 : Baylys Beach to Omapere

  The day starts off with an easy 33km as we retrace our 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. We take a slight side detour to our lunch site at the park headquarters. The climbing continues after lunch and at the top of the last major climb we take a rest from the bike to walk through the forest. Here we 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 we leave the forest we are greeted with views of the surrounding hills and our descent to Pakia Hill Lookout rewards us with spectacular views of Hokianga Harbour and the large sand dunes across the bay. We continue to descend into Omapere and our accommodation for the night. The hotel has a waterfront setting and we will have time to relax and enjoy this special place. Tonight we are free to make our own dinner arrangements. Cycle Distance: 87km / 54miles

• Day 3 : Omapere to Ahipara

  Our scenic ride today starts as we skirt the shores of the beautiful Hokianga Harbour. We pass through Opononi which became famous when a bottlenose dolphin "Opo" started swimming with children in the summer of 1955/56. We continue along quiet rural roads to Rawene where we 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 us through the Herekino Gorge to emerge on the west coast at Ahipara on the southern end of the spectacular 90 Mile Beach. Cycle Distance: 90km / 55miles

• Day 4 : Ahipara to Cape Reinga to Taipa Bay

  A spectacular ride today takes us 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. We will ride either north to south or south to north to take advantage of tail winds. The road is straight and undulating with occasional views out to sea. In the afternoon we will drive back down the peninsula to Awanui and for those with energy we can cycle to our luxurious resort at Taipa Bay, otherwise there is the option to hop on the bus. Tonight we drive to the famous fish and chip shop at Doubtless Bay for a fresh seafood meal in a picturesque waterfront setting. Cycle Distance: Ahipara to Cape Reinga – 124km / 77miles Optional Cycle: Awanui to Taipa bay – 23km / 14miles

• Day 5 : Taipa Bay to Russell

  Today we'll experience a little more traffic as we head south towards the Bay of Islands. The ride starts by continuing along the coastal road connecting Doubtless Bay with Mangonui Harbour and then snakes inland until we reach Whangaroa Harbour. Once again the road weaves through a pretty rural landscape with some gentle climbs and long descents. We have lunch at a café in Kerikeri opposite the oldest stone building in New Zealand, the Stone Store which was built in 1832 to store missionary supplies. We have time to visit the store and small museum. Then there is an option to drive the next 27km section to Paihia as the road can be busy. Once in Paihia we can 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). At Paihia we will take the passenger ferry with our bikes across the harbour to the pretty seaside township of Russell, once known as the Hell Hole of the Pacific! We will stay at the historic Duke of Marlborough hotel for the next 2 nights. Cycle Distance: Taipa Bay to Paihia – 94km / 58miles

• Day 6 : Russell - 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.

• Day 7 : Russell to Whangarei

  Today is another spectacular coastal ride as we bike from bay to bay. Our 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 worth while and there are several options for a swim on the way. We reach Helena Bay after 55km and then we ride a further 5km 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 us back to the main road at Whakapara where we can cycle or drive into town. We will have the chance to view the Whangarei Falls on the way into town and relax before dinner. Tonight we dine on the waterfront at the local marina. Cycle Distance: Russell to Whakapara – 73km / 45miles Optional ride Whakapara to Whangarei – 23km / 22miles

• Day 8 : Whangarei to Mangawhai Heads

  The first 11km is along busy roads out of Whangarei, so there is an option to drive south to set off cycling from Puwera. Today, another day of quiet rural roads, rolling green hills and undulating cycling takes us to Paparoa where we can retrace our steps from the first day’s ride to Brynderwyn. We then transfer by vehicle to Waipu to avoid the highway. From here we cycle along the coast road getting glimpses of the sea from behind the sand dunes and arrive at the beach at Waipu Cove. We continue to the stunning Langs Beach before our road weaves uphill onto the headland through lush native bush. We then descend to the seaside resort of Mangawhai Heads and onto our accommodation just outside of the town centre. The final 2km is on a gravel road, so we can load up the bikes here and transfer to our hotel. Tonight is our last group dinner together and we celebrate our weeks cycling achievements. Cycle Distance: Puwera to Paparoa - 45km / 28miles Optional Paparoa to Brynderwyn - 20km / 12miles Waipu to Mangawhai Retreat - 33km / 20miles

• Day 9 : Mangawhai Heads to Kaukapakapa (Auckland)

  This morning we drive the first 2km to take us back to the paved road and then quiet rural roads take us south to the small service town of Wellsford. We then cycle across the Northland Peninsula towards the Kaipara Harbour. The road has some challenging climbs but these provide sweeping views across the mudflats of the harbour to the west coast. We reach the village of Kaukapakapa which marks the end of our cycle ride. We load up the bikes and drive back Auckland, a journey of approx 1.5-2 hours where we say a sad farewell to our guides and new cycling companions. Cycle Distance: 67km / 42miles

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• Visa Services
• 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 evening meals
• 8 nights hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on a twin share basis
• Professional qualified guide/driver
• Private vehicle transport
• Ferry transfers at Hokianga Harbour and Russell
• Water and snacks while cycling
• Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)

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Exclusions

• International or domestic flights and taxes
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• All beverages, other than breakfast
• Bike hire (including helmet)
• Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
• Optional activities (eg. dolphin watching from Russell, visit to Treaty House at Waitangi )
• Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
• Travel insurance
• Visa (if required)
• Tips

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

Adventure South Ltd View Profile

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• Phillipstown, Christchurch, New Zealand - 8145
• XXXXXX1222 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@adventuresouth.co.nz View Mail ID

About Adventure South Ltd

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