The Trail runs south along the stopbank from Ruawai Wharf for 4km to the end of Simpson Road. It is suitable for all ages and abilities. The ride offers views of the Kaipara Harbour and access to a very special wide-open space.

Cyclists may choose to loop around Wilson’s Landing Road or continue along Simpsons Road for a longer ride, either to Tinopai or the café at Matakohe Museum. The Ruawai Flats were once a tidal swamp and over the past 100 years a man-made system of drains, floodgates and stopbanks have transformed it into some of the most fertile and productive kumara and dairy farmland in Northland.

See the floodgates operating, learn about the history of the area from informative signs and observe the wildlife as you ride. Facilities – there are parking, toilets and drinking fountain at the Ruawai Wharf and a Café in Ruawai township.

Ripiro beach is 107 km long and is New Zealand’s longest driveable beach, longer than the erroneously named Ninety Mile Beach. Baylys Beach is home to the famous local shellfish delicacy called the Toheroa, which was overfished in the 1960’s and 70’s and as a result, public gathering of the shellfish is now prohibited. You may however, find some tuatua’s. As the sands move over time pre-historic embedded kauri logs up to 50,000 years old are often exposed. Historically the wreck of the Alcemene was found here, a three-masted French warship that sank here in 1815.

Start from either Baylys Beach or Glinks Gully entrances where there are toilets, parking and vehicle access to the beach.

The beach is rideable 2 ½ hours either side of low tide (check Pouto tides) as the low tide exposes the hard sand. Ride as far as you like in either direction - we suggest riding into the wind first so you have an easy return trip.

Facilities – toilets, parking, Sharky’s Café and Takeaways at Baylys Beach.

New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, and Lake Kai Iwi, nestled near Whanganui in the North Island, is no exception. This hidden gem offers a serene escape into the heart of nature, with a network of captivating trails that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. If you're seeking tranquility and adventure intertwined with lush greenery and the serenity of water, Lake Kai Iwi's trails are your perfect destination.Lake Kai Iwi's trails offer an opportunity to reconnect with nature, recharge your spirit, and embrace the beauty of New Zealand's outdoors. Whether you're a hiker, cyclist, angler, or someone simply.

Lake Kai Iwi is a natural sanctuary that invites you to reconnect with the great outdoors. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from tranquil moments by the lake to exhilarating adventures on the trails. Whether you're seeking solitude, quality time with loved ones, or a taste of New Zealand's pristine wilderness, Lake Kai Iwi promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. Visit and discover the beauty that awaits in this unspoiled paradise.

Kaipara Harbour is a large enclosed harbour estuary complex on the north western side of the North Island of New Zealand. The northern part of the harbour is administered by the Kaipara District and the southern part is administered by the Auckland Council.

By area, the Kaipara Harbour is one of the largest harbours in the world. It covers 947 square kilometres (366 sq mi) at high tide, with 409 square kilometres (158 sq mi) exposed as mudflats and sandflats at low tide.

These treacherous sandbanks shift and change position, and are known locally as the graveyard. The graveyard is responsible for more shipwrecks than any other place in New Zealand, and has claimed at least 43 vessels—some say as many as 110. For this reason, a lighthouse was built in 1884 on the northern arm of the entrance (Puoto Peninsula). It was automated in 1947 and closed in the mid 1950s. The structure still exists and was renovated in 1982–84.

Te Arai offers pristine white sandy beaches at the end of picturesque rural roads and a glorious campground within the regional park.

It's an area well known by surfers for consistent and safe conditions and it's an utterly gorgeous spot for a day at the beach.

From SH1 in Wellsford, take Matheson Road at the top of the hill as you leave the shops behind. It's signposted to Whangaripo Valley, Pakiri and Tomarata. Continue on Matheson as it becomes Whangaripo Valley Road, then take Waiteitei Road to your left, signposted to Mangawhai. 

At the end of Waiteitei Road, turn right into Mangawhai Road for 3.6kms then take Te Arai Point Road to your right and travel to the end. Much of Te Arai Point Road is gravel, so drive with care. A brief walk to the top of the point will give you views right along the beach and you can choose from swimming in the surf or at the sheltered old quarry swimming hole. Make sure you explore the beaches on either side of Te Arai Point as well because Forestry and Black Swamp are even more beautiful.

The area is home to several species of bird and plant whose existence hangs in the balance, including the New Zealand Fairy Tern and the Northern New Zealand Dotterel. It's crucial for them that you take only photographs and leave only footprints… do not disturb them and let nothing harm them. Dogs are not allowed at Te Arai.

Mosquito Bay is very much part of the Kaipara system, at the tip of the southern sandbar that encloses and shelters the Kawau Parua Inlet. As it turns out, the sandbar is not a sandbar but a delta, the geological differences being quite important, as the future changes to the area depend on the way in which the formation is taking place. GeoTrips gives a very good explanation. 

The short version is that the lovely sand and interesting sedimentary rocks here have drifted all the way from the ancient Taranaki Volcanoes, creating what is known as a 'flood tide delta'. Over the last million or two years. The flat floor of the harbour here is from older Kaipara Volcanoes. And the happy result is the fishing is reportedly marvellous, there are snapper galore and some fish can be caught by surfcasting. Be aware there have been many shipwrecks on the Kaipara Bar. 

Mangawhai, also known as Mangawhai Heads, is nestled between the Pacific coast and rolling farmland. You’re offered a choice of seaside experiences here – a surf beach on one side and safe harbour beaches on the other.

On the far side of the harbour is a large sand dune area that's administered by the Department of Conservation. The dunes are home to fairy terns, Caspian terns, variable oystercatchers and New Zealand dotterels. Mangawhai Heads and the village of Mangawhai are linked by a picturesque causeway surrounded by native wetlands and bush.

Mangawhai offers a range of activities including water-sports, a world-class 18-hole championship golf course, wineries, Bennetts Chocolate factory, and a fabulous museum that tells the amazing history of the region.

Charter boats are available to take you fishing or diving; you can also surf cast off the beach. Other local activities include donkey rides and mini-golf.