Route Description
The Far North Cycleway is the start or end of the 3,000 km Tour Aotearoa route through New Zealand/Aotearoa, incorporating some iconic Northland landmarks. At one end is the spiritual Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean clash in dramatic fashion; at the other is beautiful Hokianga Harbour and Rawene, a typical Northland village nestled on the shoreline of the Harbour.
In between these two points are plenty of Northland’s hills and over 85 km of beach riding, including a ride along the Te Paki stream that is flanked by dramatic sand dunes.
If you are intending to ride 90 Mile Beach, you will need to coordinate your ride with the tides. The beach can only be ridden three hours either side of high water. Long-range tide times are available here: https://tides.niwa.co.nz/?latitude=-35.163&longitude=173.149
Be sure to give your bike a thorough wash with fresh water when you get off the beach. This is a harsh environment for bike parts.
Distance: 172 km—This can be combined with the Kauri Coast Cycleway & Kaipara Missing Link.
Time: 2-3 days
Elevation Gain: 1050 m
Level: Moderate to Advanced (due to the road riding)
Suitable Bikes: Gravel, MTB—check the warranty on your e-bike if you intend to ride the beach. Saltwater and sand are not eBike friendly. The alternative is to ride along SH1, which carries light traffic, but there are logging trucks. The writer has ridden the road several times and the beach. There are limited charging options beyond Pukenui / Huketere and none at the Cape.
Note: While 90 Mile Beach is remote, it is shared with vehicles & hikers. The route also involves a car ferry crossing of the Hokianga Harbour – check ferry timetables here:https://northlandferries.co.nz/hokianga-ferry/
Maps
A GPX file is available on Komoot so that you can navigate the route on your favourite app or device.