A scenically spectacular journey by e-bike taking you from the East Coast to the West Coast.
1. Hokianga Harbour – at the end of the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail
You can’t get much better than this! Looking towards Māngungu Mission, this is at the Northern end of the Harbour. And the end of the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail – one of NZ’s Great Rides.
Established as a Wesleyan mission station, Māngungu was the scene of the largest signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. On 12 Feb 1840 around 3,000 people attended and over 70 local chiefs added their signatures to the founding document. Interestingly this was more than twice the number of rangatira (chiefs) who signed at Waitangi.
2. Happy couples anywhere make a great photo
Taken at Mangungu Mission in Horeke, with the harbour in the background. Hi Pete and Rose! Pete and Rose love their cycle trips. Fairly recent converts to e-bikes, they are now off exploring France on two wheels.
3. Explore off the beaten track on an e-bike!
The loop road, Kohukohu. In the days of Kauri milling, Kohukohu was the largest town on the Hokianga Harbour, now it is a small charming village. Packed with history to see around the streets – heritage villas, the Masonic Lodge, the Anglican Church, a police station and an old school
4. A view from your hotel in Hokianga, Omapere
This is the Southern end of the Hokianga Harbour, as opposed to the Northern end shown in snap #1. Quite a contrast in scenery, but both equally spectacular. This view is from the front lawn of the hotel. You can look out to this incredible vista from most spots on the property – the deck, the pool, the restaurant and many of the rooms as well.
5. Tane Mahuta, Waipoua Forest
Lord of the Forest. A majestic sight in the day and also on the Twilight Tour. On this tour experience the affinity that Māori have with the forest and the deep spiritual respect they have for these sentinels who have stood silently witnessing the passing of time. Your guide will share thought-provoking information, humorous banter, stories and legends before respectfully greeting the oldest and largest known kauri trees in the world with spine-tingling chants and song.
6. Snow’s Farm
There are many beautiful spots as your cycle along the Utakura River, on the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail. If you choose to stop at this particular picnic spot you will often find a small kiosk open selling delicious home baked goodies.
7. The Twin Suspension Bridges
Two bridges, over the Orauta stream and surrounded by native bush.
8. Sunset from the Duke of Marlborough Hotel
The Duke has been refreshing rascals and reprobates since 1987. Located on the waterfront in Kororāreka or Russell, it is the perfect place to watch the sun go down over a cold beverage.
This was an established Māori settlement long before Captain Cook arrived in 1769. In the early 1800s, international ships began visiting Russell to trade with the locals. Sailors, whalers and traders began to congregate there – some of them less than reputable. In no time the town was transformed into a lawless and bawdy port, known as the ‘Hell hole of the Pacific’.
With this kind of atmosphere it’s not surprising that The Duke of Marlborough tavern obtained New Zealand’s first ever liquor licence in the 1840s. You can still see the licence hanging over the bar today!
9. Waitangi Golf Course looking out to the Bay of Islands
A stunning area with majestic panoramic views all the way across the Bay of Islands, over the Bay to Russell and down to Paihia.
10. Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Endless photo opportunities at this award winning heritage site. A “must do” if in the Bay of Islands. Discover Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important historic site, where in 1840 New Zealand’s founding document was signed: Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi).
The Northland Experiences Cook to Kupe 5 night e-bike tour takes you along the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail, and then onto lesser known gems of the North, but also some of the most significant “must do’s!”
No road is too long on a bike if you have good company!
