Auckland - city lights to single tracks

There are 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, two of which are easily accessible from Auckland. To help plan your next Great Ride, check out these two itineraries:  

Itinerary one 

Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail Great Ride

Trail details:  87km, divided into four sections. Can be ridden in either direction over two days or as day rides

Grade: 1-2 (easiest, easy)

Description: A scenically spectacular journey from the Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour. It serves up a mix of relaxing riding with some seriously significant heritage sites, vintage train experiences and stories

Getting there:  Stay in Kaikohe or Ōkaihau (3-hour drive from Auckland). Arrange return shuttles from each end.

Day 1: Kaikohe to Ōpua (38km | 3–4 hrs)

• Ride 34km to Kawakawa. Eat lunch, visit the Hundertwasser toilets, and see the Te Hononga Memorial Park

• Board the Vintage Railway at Taumārere, get off at Whangae Tunnel, and ride the final 4km to Ōpua.

Day 2: Kaikohe to Hōreke (42km | 3–5 hrs)

• Ride 14km to Ōkaihau for ice cream and sweets at Settlers Way General Store

• Ride 28km past Snow’s Farm river picnic area to Hōreke

• Finish at Māngungu Mission House to see the historic Treaty signing site and visit the hilltop café.

Itinerary two 

Hauraki Rail Trail Great Ride 

Trail details: 160km total over 3-5 days. It is broken into five sections, allowing for multi-day journey, weekend escapes or a family outing. Section C below is most popular

Grade: 1 (easiest) 

Description: Known as one of the easiest and most accessible Great Rides, it traces the Shorebird Coast and follows old railway lines between the historic gold towns of Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi and Matamata

Getting there: Less than two hours' drive from Auckland

Section C: Paeroa to Waihī (24km | 2.5 hours) follows the Ōhinemuri River through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge.

Key highlights:

• Paeroa start: Snapshot the iconic 7-metre L&P bottle

• Karangahake Gorge: Ride through the dimly lit, 1km-long historic railway tunnel (pack bike lights)

• Nature and picnics: Relax at the tranquil Owharoa Falls (pictured) and view the Ōhinemuri Weir

• Mining heritage: Tour the Victoria Battery Museum relics and take a historic tram ride

• Waikino Station: Stop for coffee and food at the Waikino Station Café

• Waihī finish: Explore the original Goldfields Railway Terminus, visit the interactive Gold Discovery Centre, and view the massive open-pit Martha Mine via the Pit Rim Walk.

Other Great Rides nearby: 

Travel south to the picturesque lakeside town of Taupō, a  3.5-hour road trip from Auckland.  Taupō is home to the Great Lake Trails Great Ride. You can ride a section or multiple days.

Just under three hours' drive from Auckland is Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Great Ride. It's a great way to see the sights of Whakarewarewa Forest - Rotorua’s beloved backyard and a world-famous mountain bike mecca.