Top Trail Bike Hire & Shuttles – Twin Coast Cycle Trail

Your Gateway to the Twin Coast Cycle Trail

If you’re thinking about cycling the Twin Coast Cycle Trail – Pou Herenga Tai, there’s a good chance you’ll end up dealing with the team at Top Trail. Based in Kaikohe, right in the heart of the mid-north, they’re the go-to outfit for bike hire and shuttle services on this 87km (54 mile) trail that runs from Ōpua in the Bay of Islands across to Horeke in the Hokianga.

What They Offer

Top Trail provides both bike hire and shuttle transport, either as standalone services or bundled together in combo packages. You can bring your own bike and just use them for shuttles, or hire one of their fleet and let them handle the logistics of getting you to and from the trail.

Their bike fleet includes standard trail bikes and e-bikes, all recently upgraded. Helmets are included with every hire – it’s the law in New Zealand, so don’t plan on riding without one.

About this Activity

• Free cancellation – Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Reserve now & pay later – Keep your travel plans flexible – book your spot and pay nothing today.
• Duration – 1 to 3 days depending on package selected.
• Suitable for – All ages and fitness levels; trail is mostly flat with gentle climbs.
• Standard trail bikes and e-bikes are available for hire at a daily rate.
• Children’s bikes (14 and under) available at discounted prices.
• Minimum age of 10 or 130cm height for child e-bikes.
• Optional extras available for people who want a more comfortable ride.
• “Lock and Roll Cover” option to cover damage and theft protection during your hire.

Shuttle Services

This is where Top Trail really earns its keep. The Twin Coast Cycle Trail is a point-to-point route, so unless you’re planning to ride both ways, you need a shuttle. Top Trail runs scheduled shuttles from both ends of the trail back to their Kaikohe base.

Scheduled shuttle fares include bike transport. If you need a full coast-to-coast transfer – say from Horeke right through to Ōpua or vice versa – there is a scheduled run.

Special shuttles outside the scheduled pick-up times are available at higher rates. Solo travellers booking special shuttles pay for two people, so it’s worth trying to fit in with the scheduled times if you can.

They also offer baggage transfers – handy if you’re doing a multi-day trip and don’t want to carry everything on the bike.

The Vintage Railway Connection

One of the highlights of the eastern section of the trail is the connection with the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. If you’re riding east towards Ōpua, you can cycle to Taumarere station (about 3km past Kawakawa), load your bike onto the train and enjoy a scenic 30-minute journey along the Waikare estuary to Whangae station, then ride the final 2.5km into Ōpua. It’s a brilliant way to finish the eastern leg, and Top Trail’s scheduled east shuttle is timed to meet riders at Ōpua Marina at 4:15pm after the train connection.

You do need to book the train separately through the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway, and the train doesn’t run every day – particularly in winter.

The Team

One thing that comes through consistently in reviews is how much people enjoy dealing with the Top Trail crew. The bike mechanic is typically the first person you’ll meet at the Kaikohe base, and he’s well known for getting everyone sorted with the right bike and a thorough briefing before you head off. The shuttle drivers are praised for being punctual, friendly and genuinely knowledgeable about the area’s history and culture. Several reviewers mention getting informal guided tours during the shuttle ride back, which is a nice touch.

Who Is It Good For?

The Twin Coast Cycle Trail is rated as an easy Grade 2 ride on mostly all-weather surfaces, which makes it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels and ages. Top Trail caters for all of them. Families with young children have successfully completed the Trail and Tunnel Taster with kids as young as six. Couples in their 70s have enjoyed multi-day e-bike trips. International visitors unfamiliar with the area have found the self-guided options straightforward, with good signage on the trail and clear instructions from the team.

If you’re an overseas visitor who hasn’t cycled much in New Zealand before, the e-bike option is worth considering. The trail passes through rolling Northland countryside with some gentle climbs, and an e-bike takes the sting out of any hills while letting you enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.

Practical Information

Season: Year-round, though some scheduled shuttle services may be reduced in winter

Getting there: Kaikohe is approximately 30km (19 miles) inland from Paihia, about a 30-minute drive. If you’re staying in the Bay of Islands, Top Trail can arrange shuttles from Ōpua as part of their packages.

What to bring: Sunscreen, water, a light rain jacket (Northland weather can change quickly), and comfortable clothing. Helmets are provided with bike hire. There are cafes along the route at Okaihau and other points, but it’s wise to carry snacks and water.

Tip: Book ahead, especially during the summer months (December to February) and school holidays. The scheduled shuttles work on set times, so check these when planning your ride to make sure the timing works for you.

Top Trail has been operating since 2012, when the trail first opened. The business is now owned and run by Dave and Anita Woodfield, who took over in late 2024. Dave and Anita are Northland locals based in Russell, and their enthusiasm for the trail and the wider region comes through in the way the operation runs. They hold a Qualmark Silver award, which is Tourism New Zealand’s quality assurance mark.