FAQs
FAQS
cars - flights - transfers
Yes you can! It has been much publicised that the Brynderwyn Hills will be closed for road works for 9 weeks starting on the 26th February 2024 OPEN OPEN FOR EASTER and then closed until 12th May – the detour routes add an extra 20 minutes (approx) to your journey time North and take you through scenic Northland – Our favourite is via Mangawhai and Waipu Cove.. check out this map for more detail on those detours
We have a system on the first day where you will drive your car to the final hotel, where there is ample, safe parking.
If you are on a bespoke tour – we will work something out.
There are taxis and shuttles which will take you to Paihia.
Self-Drive – 3.25 hours from Auckland on SH1.
Fly – Air NZ flies into Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) airport from Auckland. 5 flights a day. Approx 40 mins. https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/
Coach – Intercity. https://www.intercity.co.nz/
Who is this tour for?
COOK TO KUPE TOUR
- This trip is designed for all abilities.
- A lot of the tour is on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, or quiet back roads (sealed and unsealed).
NORTHERN SPIRIT TOUR
- This trip is designed for confident cyclists.
- You will ride on State Highways, sealed and unsealed roads.
- This is not on a cycle trail.
Suitable for solo travellers, couples or groups of friends and familes.
Yes of course they can, many non-riding (or wanting to do a little less) partners have a wonderful time seeing the countryside slightly differently from the mini bus, and you of course meet up during the day and in the evenings. There are also many interesting walking sections as part of the tour.
Yes absolutely. Many solo travellers come on the tours. We do have a single supplement, which is for the accommodation as we have to pay the same for a double room as a single room.
Yes absolutely. All tour are suitable for groups. We can also create a bespoke tour.
We also cater for Corporates.
About The Tour
Our tours are fully supported, which means that you are not guided on the trails. There will be occasions though that your Tour Leader will cycle with you on a route less known. Your tour leader is always nearby to assist when necessary.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided.
Lunch is normally a fresh packed lunch.
Bespoke tours – as above but can also be tailormade for your requirements.
We cater for dietary requirements, and the food is of a high standard, using fresh local produce where possible.
COOK TO KUPE TOUR
Accommodation is of a high standard, all rooms with ensuite.
NORTHERN SPIRIT
Accommodation is a mix of motels and lodges, all rooms with ensuite. There is limited accommodation on route, so some places more simple than others.
Bespoke tours – may vary if you are off the beaten track, but if it does not have an ensuite – it will have something else remarkable about it.
Prices are based on twin/double share. We have single supplements. We also have options for families etc to share apartments.
A full, detailed kit list will be provided on confirmation of booking.
Cycling, Fitness and Bikes
COOK TO KUPE TOUR
This tour is designed for all abilities. A medium level of fitness is recommended. However we have our comfortable mini bus travelling nearby the trail so we can pick you up at certain spots. You are always welcome to travel in the mini bus.
NORTHERN SPIRIT TOUR
A medium level of fitness, you must be confident on a bike. The mini bus is nearby so you can do as many km as you want.
You will also be surprised at how much an e-bike can help you along!
With the e-bikes you will be able to keep up with everyone easily. If you do feel tired or have a niggling pain you can hop in the mini van and keep the Tour Leader company for any part of your ride.
COOK TO KUPE TOUR
Most of the tour is on fairly easy trail, but you do need to know how to ride a bike, turn sharp corners, be able to ride on gravel if necessary and be aware of road rules and cycling protocol if on the road.
This is not technical riding or hard out mountain biking.
NORTHERN SPIRIT
You do need to be a confident cyclist, and confident riding on the road, sealed and unsealed. Be aware of road rules and cycling protocol if on the road.
If you have not ridden an e-bike before, we give you a lesson and time to practice.
COOK TO KUPE TOUR
The majority of the cycling is on the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail – which is graded under the NZ Great Rides as easy with a very small section that is a steep switchback downhill. For those who are not confident you could dismount and walk down.
The remainder includes a smooth rail trail, cycle paths, wetland boardwalk, suspension bridges and some short sections on country roads (sealed and unsealed).
Other cycling is on quiet country roads and is optional, but we find most cyclists take up these opportunities and enjoy them. Some of these sections have hills but with an e-bike it is not an issue.
NORTHERN SPIRIT TOUR
This is all road cycling, a mix of State Highway, and back roads. Both sealed and unsealed. There is no trail riding.
Yes of course if we are not off to our next destination there is time to do an early morning or late afternoon/early evening cycle. We have some great spots for you to venture to.
Yes, but please talk to us first to ensure it is suitable for the trip/trailer etc. This would be subject to us agreeing.
We have a training session at the beginning of each tour.
For those that are experienced e-bike riders we show you how our bikes work. And for those novices, we give you a lesson and some tips and time to practice.
But our bikes are easy to handle and fun to ride. They make cycling much easier overall.
These are all electric trail bikes and are unisex configuration, i.e. step through.
Our fleets are new and serviced after each tour.
We have a fleet of Avanti bikes, and a fleet of Sinch bikes.
Cancellations and Minimum Numbers
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions here
We require a minimum of 6 people booked to guarantee a departure.
We try our hardest to ensure all tours go ahead. There is also the option of paying more if the numbers are less and you want the tour to go ahead.
Booking the rest of my trip
Yes absolutely – we know the area inside out! We can help you book accommodation to any budget, as well as line up a great range of things for you to see and do – depending on what you like. We have lots of intel on all the hidden gems as well!
Weather
Northland is a year long destination. With its northern location, low elevation and close proximity to the sea is characterised by a mild and sometimes humid climate. Summers are warm and tend to be humid, while winters are mild, with many parts of the region having only a few light frosts each year. Most parts of Northland receive about 2000 hours of sunshine per year. Of course it does rain and that could be in the middle of summer – bring a jacket!
There is plenty to do in Northland…we have many alternate things to do if you choose not to ride, but these things are addressed as they come up. We can assure you that you will have a great experience on these unique tours rain or shine!