OK, this is definitely the nicest bike route around here that is also within easy distance – good for a four hour ride going east from home, on the south-west side of Whangarei.
After a quick pass through downtown Whangarei, a short section of Riverside Drive to the climb up Memorial Drive and Abbey Caves Road, and heading north to the end where it intersects with Whareora Road.
Turning north-east past the junction with Mount Tiger Road and continue to the junction with Pataua North Road.
This long scenic road loops a bit to the north, before turning south and terminating in the town of Pataua North.
The road is practically deserted, because it is a dead end - only a footbridge connects Pataua North to Pataua South across the bay, from where the road resumes as Pataua South Road.
The footbridge is what makes this such a great ride, free of traffic.
Photos belong to Jaro Franta.
