Must-Do's Cycling 2022-23

Page 28

KAURI COAST Cycleway

RĀWENE to DARGAVILLE 113km

1-2 days

HEARTLAND HEARTLAND RIDE RIDE •• KAURI KAURI COAST COAST CYCLEWAY CYCLEWAY

BEST FOR: Those who appreciate mighty giants of the forest.

Egypt has ancient pyramids; Cambodia has Angkor Wat and New Zealand has kauri trees. Aged from about 3000 years old, these naturemade marvels are a wonder of the world.

S

tart out in Rāwene, an historic town clutching to the coastline of Hokianga Harbour and then pedal inland to nature’s great green kingdom: Waipōua Kauri Forest. Caretakers of New Zealand’s oldest if not mightiest residents, gigantic kauri trees tower over 50m above the forest floor. Home to both Tāne Mahuta, our largest kauri tree and Te Matua Ngāhere which is estimated to be almost 3000 years old, these elderly grandfathers enjoy a celebrity-like status. This ancient green world is also home to North Island kōkako and the shy brown kiwi.

MAP LEGEND open section start/finish point

The terrain soon switches to farmland and ventures past bucolic fields to Dargaville before meeting the mouth of Kaipara Harbour where it concludes.

point of interest i-SITE Visitor Centre town café/restaurant toilets car park accommodation camping state highway

TOP TIP – The trail links to the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail and the Heartland Ride tourist routes to the north and south, the Far North Cycleway and the Kaipara Missing Link. © AA Traveller 2022

This route comprises 90 per cent sealed roads and 10 per cent gravel roads with some steep inclines that are best suited to fit riders with experience. With a year-round mild climate, you can enjoy this adventure throughout the year but with rain a common occurrence in Waipōua Forest, pack your raincoat!

nzcycletrail.com for more Trail Detail... 500m 250m 0m

26

Rāwene 21km

Ōpononi

Waimamaku 15km

25km

Waipōua Forest

Dargaville 51km


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Must-Do's Cycling 2022-23 by AA Traveller - Issuu