New Zealand Walks: 100km Coast to Coast Walk
ANorthland firm is excited to announce that they have created the perfect Coast to Coast Walk in Northland.
Their Coast to Coast tour takes you from Russell in the Bay of Islands on the east coast to Rawene in the Hokianga on the west coast across the Far North of the North Island or vice versa.
You will traverse approximately 100kms, take in ferry rides, bush walks, historical sites, geographical phenomenon’s, country towns and bush tracks.
With the bulk of your walk on the diverse and picturesque Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail.
The first day you arrive in the Bay of Islands and stay in Russell, a charming village with beautiful eateries, historical sites, lookouts, and stunning beaches! What more could you want?
Normally you would stay in Arcadia Lodge B&B or Bellrock Lodge, both are luxurious and a wonderful way to start your walk with fabulous views.
Walking out of town you join the Russell to Paihia Coastal Walk, which is a mix of boardwalk through mangroves, native bush, and sea views.
Arriving in Opua, you stay at the Marina Cove where you can enjoy your own private deck and stunning views of the Bay of Islands.
The great news about all this – is that your bags are transferred each day. You only carry what you need!
Day 2 is a short stroll past the marina and then you are on the Pou Herenga Twin Coast Cycle Trail for 11km to Kawakawa.
It’s a flat walk, with plenty to see, an estuary, many bridges including the famous Taumarere Long Bridge.
If you are there on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday you can catch a vintage train the last 4 km into Kawakawa. That day you are driven a short 10 minute drive back to stay at Marina Cove for a second night.
Day 4, a car transfer back to Kawakawa which is a fascinating town. Filled with places to
eat and Northland’s largest art gallery – The Kings Theatre. It is famous for its toilets and now the Te Hononga community hub. The toilets were designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who lived just out of Kawakawa and the hub is based on his work.
The next 16.km are interesting, past marae, through rolling farmland and over the twin suspension bridges at Tuhipa
From here you are picked up and taken to Kaikohe, to stay at the beautified restored old BNZ bank – now called the Left Bank.
You can check out Ngawha hot springs or just relax in the pure luxury of your room! Lovely restaurant downstairs for dinner or breakfast.
Day 5 is a transfer back to where you left the trail to walk back to Kaikohe for another 16.5km for a 2nd night at the Left Bank.
Day 6 you walk from Kaikohe to Okaihau encountering a tunnel, lake, and beautiful rural vistas, before arriving in the village of Okaihau, for some great coffee and food from Kiwi Kai or old fashioned lollies and real fruit ice cream from Settlers Way.
Relax, enjoy, and then walk the last 2km to Okaihau Rail Stay. Vintage railway carriages that have been transformed into boutique accommodation. All in all, a total of 16km.
The seventh day walking takes you 12km down through the
beautiful Utakura Valley, with breath-taking views, a gorgeous river that meanders beside the trail you will have pure appreciation for the wonderful countryside we have in NZ. Pick up is from Snows Farm, a lovely picnic spot.
Day 8 is a short transfer back to Snows Farm to walk 13km to the other coast
Yes! You are at the Hokianga Harbour and have walked from the east to west coast. Arriving in the settlement of Horeke.
The Hokianga is the second largest natural harbour in New Zealand. One of the most historically significant areas for Maori, it is the part of Aotearoa where Kupe first called home.
Horeke, Kohukohu and
Rawene are among the oldest European settlements in New Zealand.
Today the region has the feeling of being relatively undiscovered.
You can be picked up or walk to Wairere Boulders which is a further 7km, no harm in a ride – after all you have just walked Coast to Coast.
Wairere Boulders is a true hidden gem – people from the Far North don’t even know about it. The walking trails through the bush and Wairere Boulder Valley allow visitors to get close to nature and discover these amazing rock formations.
When the days are hot you can take a dip in the bush pool swimming hole or hire a kayak and paddle through the valley and out into the Hokianga Harbour. Enjoy dinner and breakfast at the Boulder B&B – a wee treasure.
Day 9 and we are travelling down the harbour on a beautiful boat that had originally been used in 1945 for ferrying returned World War II servicemen to the Rotorua Convalescent Hospital
But first we walk down to Mangungu Mission House which is the end of the Cycle Trail. It is a peaceful spot with incredible views.
Mangungu is where the largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in the country took place, with over 70 chiefs adding their assent before a crowd of up to 3,000 people.
It is from here we hop on our boat and cruise up the Harbour to Rawene. Staying in one of the B&Bs there. Rawene is a small place but boasts two great cafes, Clendon House, a puzzle shop and art galleries.
Breakfast is included each day. Dinners and lunches are not included in the price, other than where stated.
Fully organised and booked and further support if needed along the way. If you fly in, we will collect you and drop you back at Kerikeri airport.
Included in your walk is luggage transfers from Russell to Rawene, some shuttles to and from accommodations to ensure walks are within the max daily limits, accommodation, breakfast, ferry rides where needed.
Accommodation options are only indicative of the type we will be organising and will depend on date and availability.
If you prefer to have longer walks each day, this is very easily organised, of course you can add on some activities at either end as there are plenty of options and the team at Northland Experiences can organise it for you.
For more info: 0800 245 364 / 021 122 9307
hello@northlandexperiences.co.nz
www.northlandexperiences.co.nz