FANTASTIC NEW ZEALAND

This is the bike trip you have been waiting for.
For the lucky ten, fly into Auckland, travel to the Bay of Islands and cycle the Twin Coast trail. A quick return to Auckland, a ride to explore a gorge then off again to ride the world-renowned Timber Trail for another two days before turning back to Auckland for an optional day ride, and then your flight home. Time to self explore if you wish.
This will be a ten day adventure where we will hire a self drive minibus and hire bikes (for those so inclined e-bikes are available.
You will need to be an experienced rider, prepared for mountain tracks, gravel, mud and not worried about heights.
The ride will start 270 kms north of Auckland at Horeke. This part of the trip also includes a short historic train ride, with shuttles provided by our hotel (https://twincoastcycletrail.kiwi.nz/).
We then return to Auckland for one night before riding 50 km return Waihi-Paeroa through the stunning Karangahake Gorge (an off-shoot of the Hauraki Rail Trail) before moving on.
The Timber Trail will be the highlight of our journey https://www.timbertrail.nz/
There are 35 bridge crossings on the trail, some of which are narrow and very high. Riders need to be well prepared for hot, cold and wet weather.
Then it's Waitomo Caves for an overnight and ending back in Auckland with an optional scenic Auckland Harbour ride.
This is an advance notice for arrival in Auckland on February 27, 2026 and departing 9 March. Due to logistics and demand it will be necessary to book early for both the Horeke Hotel (three nights) and the Timber Trail Lodge in Pureora Forest Park for one night to avoid disappointment.
Options available for share accommodation to minimise cost. Please indicate if you want this option.
As such we ask that you commit to the trip within 7 days by contacting Mike Gill on [migill88@me.com](mailto:migill88@me.com). Please also indicate if you are hiring a normal or e-bike in NZ.
Once we have reached the limit of 10 we will need to secure bookings for the two hotels mentioned (we will arrange these). We will also arrange accommodation at Te Kuiti and Waitomo Caves but Auckland accommodation is your job.
Exact details are being developed and will be forwarded to those who register.
In short, we estimate that the entire trip will cost between $2,000 and $2,500 excluding airfare. If you drop out you need to find a club member replacement or you remain liable for all incurred costs (i.e. your seat on the bus and other advance paid costs, if no refund is possible). Bus driving will be shared amongst the group.
Pedal bike hire around $45-$60/day and e-bike hire around $80-$100/day. Discounted group rates possible but deposit required.
Group rate for Twin Coast trail accommodation/shuttle has been negotiated.
Please be patient as we sort out the finer details and get back to those registered.
All you need to do at this stage is simply register. Your credit card details will be required when we finalise bookings for Timber Trail and Twin Coast Trail.
If you want to chat, feel free to call Laura (0439 901 613) or Mike (0418 498 797).
If the NZ weather holds this will be a fantastic trip! It will be daylight saving time and weatherwise it’s usually stable in March.
27 Feb fly to Auckland
28 Feb road trip to Horeke via Tane Mahuta (Giant Kauri) and Opononi
1 March shuttle, train and cycle 1st half Twin Coast trail
2 March cycle 2nd half Twin Coast trail
3 March drive to Auckland via Whangarei
4 March ride Karangahake Gorge then O/N at Te Kuiti
5 March drive to Pureora and ride Timber Trail part 1
6 March ride Timber Trail part 2 including Ongarue Spiral, drive to Waitomo Caves
7 March explore Waitomo Caves then return to Auckland, arriving around 4 PM
8 March optional scenic ride in Auckland around the harbour to Music Point
END
9 March return to Sydney or stay on and do your own thing
Laura Cunningham
Leader
Mike Gill
Enthusiastic supporter
Leaders reserve the right to decline riders if experience level is deemed inappropriate.