THE BEGINNING
Inside the Episode
Vandy and Deetz burst onto the small screen in a big way, discovering the shimmering city by the sea, Auckland. Exploring the dedicated bike trail system through this stunning, buzzing city, the boys ride by the numerous art exhibits (most of it too high brow for Vandy to understand), gorgeous wharf district and amazing restaurants and cafes. Mountain Bike riding is next, with Fourforty MTB Park teaching Deetz a lesson in taking things a little more slowly… Then it’s ferry ahoy on the SeaLink, sailing towards the rolling hills, numerous beaches and grape vines of Waiheke Island. The second half of this adventure takes place in Northland - just 4 hours north of Auckland, here lies the birthplace of New Zealand and the beginning of the stunning Twin Coast Cycle Trail, the first of New Zealand’s Great Rides.
Meet the Locals
Anne Leitch, Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
Beaumyn Wihongi, Ngāwhā Springs
Bronwyn Wikaira, Manea - Footprints of Kupe
Byron Scott, Fourforty MTB Park
Caitlin Timmer-Avends, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Jack and Di Maxwell, Left Bank
Jo Lujiper, Waiheke Island
Peter Gordon, Homeland
Ropata, Northland Experiences
Wim Lujiper, Sunrise eBikes Waiheke
EAT
EAT
HOMELAND
Owned by famous chef Peter Gordon, Homeland is on Auckland’s waterfront and is a must visit eating destination. Make sure you try the cheese scones!
EAT
MUDBRICK
Waiheke Island is home to some amazing wineries but you can’t top the food and the view that compliment Mudbrick’s amazing wines. Definitely stop in here for lunch.
EAT
mint CAFE & RESTAURANT
Based at the bottom of the Left Bank Hotel sits a great cafe & restaurant with incredible local produce.
stay
STAY
leftbank
The Left Bank Hotel is a converted old bank that offers lovely, boutique accommodation. It’s based in Kaikohe which is the middle and highest point of the TCCT so it’s a great place to base yourself.
STAY
te rito marae
A truly unique experience you must try along the Twin Coast Cycle Trail is to stay at a traditional marae. It is a privilege to be able to witness and be part of the traditional Māori culture.
play
PLAY
sunrise e bike tours
Waiheke Island is gorgeous. Jump on the ferry and get met on the other side with an e-bike and a great guide to show you around!
PLAY
Manea - footprints of kupe
Manea - Footprints of Kupe offers you a unique cultural encounter, journeying into te ao Māori, the Māori world.
PLAY
Ngāwhā Springs
These are some of the coolest (but hottest) springs we visited. The ancient energy of these healing pools needs to be experienced.
ride
RIDE
city loop path auckland
Avoid the roads and see all of the best bits of Auckland via bike path. Check out the Viaduct Harbour, Britomart Art Precinct and the award winning Light Path.
RIDE
FOURFORTY MTB PARK
A super cool 400 vertical metre bike park lovingly created with progressive features. With a mix of flow through pine forests to old school off camber gnarl, and all finished off with an awesome trailhead cafe. Grade 2 to 5.
RIDE
twin coast cycle trail
Pou Herenga Tai, Twin Coast Cycle Trail runs from the East to West Coasts of Northland for 87km from Ōpua to Rāwene.
Check out our interactive map to learn more about where we went in this episode of Trail Towns.
Make sure to let us know if you replicate this adventure via social media!
This episode is sponsored by
Explore Other Episodes
Episode Three: Lake Taupō
Episode One: The Beginning
Episode Two: Hauraki Rail Trail and Rotorua
Episode Five: Timaru and the Alps 2 Ocean
Episode Four: Christchurch & The West Coast
Episode Six: Queenstown & Wānaka