Mangonui to Paihia

This Adventure was created and personally logged by Ross Bowden. Ross is a keen adventure rider with an extensive knowledge of the remote North Island track network.

This route is a section of The Far North Adventure Route. It is a short day route that makes up the section from Mangonui to Paihia and includes some of the best public gravel roads in the area. It includes Taupo Bay, Whangaroa Harbour, and the picturesque Wainui Road.

This Adventure is best traveled in good weather as the views on a clear day are superb.

This route is an A to B route. Starting at Mangonui and ending at Paihia.

The GPX files are in this direction but it can be traveled in either direction.

Please note we went to the Fishing Club in Whangaroa for coffee, but they weren't serving any. So then went back to Kaeo. GPX file reflects this.

This route is pretty much a transport stage, in the overview of the Far North Exploration Route, but still has some very interesting roads and scenery.

Taupo Bay is one of Northland's best beaches.

Wainui Road - this stretch of Northland's east coast is one of the most renowned for its beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery.

All the gravel roads included in this route are Grade 1 in dry conditions.

182 km.

75km into the route you will reach Kaeo, where fuel is available, then again at 140 km, at Kerikeri.

Average travel time is 3 hours at a steady pace allowing plenty of time to have a good look around some of the interesting places.

All roads within this Adventure are publicly accessible so access permission is not required.

This Adventure is recommended for fine weather. While it is possible to travel this route all year round, if there has been recent heavy rain there can be slippery, muddy sections.

While this is not considered a technical route it does include a few semi-remote areas so it is recommended to travel in a group with typical equipment including tools, spares and a PLB or emergency beacon.