Route Description
This route takes you from Dargaville down a peninsula to Poutu Point on the northern entrance to Kaipara Harbour. A charter boat service does offer rides from the point to Parakai at the southern end of the Harbour. From there you can continue your ride into central Auckland.
This ‘shortcut’ can save 1-2 days of cycling to get around the harbour. The ‘link’ came into existence with the introduction of the Tour Aotearoa Brevet from Cape Reinga to Bluff. This usually takes place in February of each year, and Kaipara Cruises provides daily sailings for around seven days during the brevet. However, the Tour Aotearoa route is now a popular summer journey for touring cyclists. A private charter can be arranged outside the brevet, but it is suggested that you link up with other riders to keep the costs down. Kaipara Cruises has a list of Wednesdays between December and the end of March to help riders coordinate with others.
Distance: 68 km to Poutu Point / 118 to Auckland. This route can be combined with the Far North Cycleway & Kauri Coast Cycleway
Time: 1 day (to Poutu Point) 2 days if continuing to Auckland
Elevation Gain: 810 m (to Poutu Point)
Level: Moderate to Advanced (due to the road riding)
Suitable Bikes: Gravel, MTB, eBikes
