Northern Spirit 5 night e-bike tour

Tour Availability

If you have a group we run tours all through Autumn – please contact us if you would like to go in May 2024 and we will set a date

• Sun 20 October – 8 spaces
• Mon 11 November – 10 spaces
• Mon 9 December – 10 spaces
• Mon 2 February – 10 spaces
• Mon 17 February – 10 spaces

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• However, if you have a different date in mind please do Enquire about your preferred departure date.

  

All inclusive tours – all you need to do is book

• 5 nights accommodation at a range of motels and lodges. Twin/double share. Single supplement available.
• Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner. From lunch on your first day through to dinner on your fifth day.
• E-bikes – New or near new Avanti trail bikes: Hard tail – Gel Seats – Panniers.  High vis vests and helmets.
• Our bikes are kept in peak condition, and serviced after every tour.
• Meals are a mix of local cafes, restaurants and picnic lunches. 
• We cater for all dietary requirements.
• Fully Supported Tour – with Tour leader escorting you with a luxury minibus.
• The minibus carries plunger coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice, water and snacks.  If you need a break you can always hop back in the van and put your bike on the trailer.  
• Maximum of 10 people. 

Price per person NZ$3,250 (incl GST) in a twin/double. 

Single Supplement NZ$400 (incl GST).

Please note:  From Monday 30 September 2024 the price will be:

Price per person NZ$3,400 (incl GST) in a twin/double.

Single Supplement NS$500 (incl GST)

Note; Not included Alcohol, extra drinks etc.  Accommodation may change subject to availability.

To previous clients who have done the Cook to Kupe Tour – Due to the remote location and absence of a formed cycle trail, the “‘Northern Spirit” Tour does not have some of the refinements that you will have enjoyed on the Cook to Kupe Tour.  It is a great adventure and you will be well looked after.  

Cycling is on average around 260km over the tour. 

Day 1 – Kerikeri to Māngonui, 10km – 20km cycling.

The tour group meets in Kerikeri and is driven to Matauri Bay where there is a short walk to the famous Rainbow Warrior monument, to enjoy stunning views of the Cavalli Islands and beyond.

From Matauri Bay we start our e-bike adventure cycling along the Twin Coast Discovery route to Whangaroa Harbour, passing spectacular viewpoints and sandy white beaches along the way.  

Staying a night in the beautiful village of Māngonui, which is located on the edge of the harbour.  

Day 2 – Māngonui to Houhora, 10km – 40km cycling

Explore the area as you make your way up to Houhora Harbour.   Small towns, historic Pa sites, sandy beaches and swimming spots.  Staying 2 nights here at a motel on the waters edge of the Houhora Harbour. A perfect base for our adventure to Cape Reinga.

Day 3 – Houhora to Cape Reinga, 10km – 70km cycling 

We are off in our luxury minibus to Cape Reinga! This is where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. For Māori, Cape Reinga is the most spiritually significant place in New Zealand. An ancient pōhutukawa tree and a lonely lighthouse mark this special place. It is believed that here, after death, all Māori spirits travel up the coast and over the wind-swept vista to the pōhutukawa tree on the headland of Te Rerenga Wairua. 

We start cycling 20km before Cape Reinga,  and if you think of it in Te Ao Māori (The Māori world) – then you are following the spirits North.  Arriving at Cape Reinga by bike, we then walk down the path to the iconic Lighthouse.  A wonderful spiritual place where you can feel the Wairua (the spirit).

Upon leaving the Cape, we drive 20km back and you can start cycling back towards Houhora. Some people do bits of the ride, others stay in the minibus, and others do the whole 50km. Whatever seat you take on this section, it will be a great day out. This section of the road is our piece of the Tour Aotearoa.

Cape Reinga is a must do on any trip to NZ!

Day 4 – Houhora to Ahipara, 10km – 30km cycling

Today is  the Northland Experiences ‘world famous’ Coast to Coast Challenge. Where you can dip your toe in the ocean of each coast in a day! The distance from coast to coast is only 15 Kms long. To complete the challenge you must dip part of your body in the Pacific Ocean on the East coast before riding across to the Tasman Sea and 90 Mile Beach on the West coast and having a dip there as well! Go on we dare you!

The afternoon is a beautiful ride to Ahipara on a quiet country road.

Riding e-bikes along 90 Mile Beach is unfortunately not permitted but depending on tides there will be great photo opportunities.  From our accommodation that night you can have an evening walk on 90 Mile Beach.

Day 5 – Ahipara to Kerikeri, 10km – 45km cycling 

The day starts with cycling inland to Broadwood, then we have a stint in the minibus, before cycling into the beautiful Puketi Kauri Forest, one of the largest tracts of native forest in Northland. From Puketi it’s a downhill ride to the Kerikeri Basin, the site of two of the country’s oldest surviving buildings – The Stone Store and Kemp House, both steeped in European and Māori history.

After arriving at our accommodation to drop the bikes and freshen up, we head off for the last night’s celebratory dinner in one of our favourite local restaurants.

Day 6 – For those not in a rush, take in The Old Packhouse Market or the famous Makana Chocolate Factory.  The Packhouse Market is filled with local produce, eateries, arts and crafts, plants, live music….a wonderful place to get amongst the locals.  These are all just a couple of minutes walk down the hotel’s driveway.

There is plenty more to explore in Kerikeri, visit the Stone Store Basin, walk to Rainbow Falls or visit the art and craft galleries, and vineyards.

For those wanting to stay longer and explore the area we can help with your accommodation and designing a fun itinerary to suit your requirements.