Opotiki to Te Kaha (66k)
This is generally flat with one steepish hill (218 metres) at about 30k at Hawai Bay. Te Kaha has a store,
takeaways, café and camp ground and is just across the road from a lovely bay and headland. There is a
fairly flash beach resort that does an elaborate breakfast if you want to splash out. It also displays some
early photos of whaling in the area.
If you want something a bit closer to Opotiki, try Hawai a pretty bay with access to the river but not suitable
for sea swimming (30k). Omaio (57k) has a shingle surf beach and a reserve (Hoana Waititi) with basic camping
facilities (toilets/water) and a store and café close by.
Te Kaha to Te Araroa (93k)
This
is a relatively easy gradient alongside the coast for about 50k and then the road turns inland just past
Whangaparaoa (Cape Runaway) and you encounter a few hills before Hicks Bay (store, takeaways, hostel). Hicks Bay
is lovely, but the main beach is some distance off the main highway and you may wish to continue over the hill
for about 9k to Te Araroa (camp ground, store, takeaways, gas station, pie-cart café). There is a nice
café at the Visitors Centre just this side of Te Araroa.
If 90k is a bit long for a day's cycle you can stop at Maraehako (20k from Te Kaha, camp ground, backpackers).
Waihau (camp ground, store
and café 30k from Te Kaha). Oruaiti Bay (40k from Te Kaha, camp ground).
At Te Araroa you have the option to cycle to the most easterly part of the world (apparently) and visit the
lighthouse. Arrive at dawn and be the first in the world to see the sun rise. A 40k round trip.
This is generally flat with one steepish hill (218 metres) at about 30k at Hawai Bay. Te Kaha has a store,
takeaways, café and camp ground and is just across the road from a lovely bay and headland. There is a
fairly flash beach resort that does an elaborate breakfast if you want to splash out. It also displays some
early photos of whaling in the area.
