Trail construction had begun on the rail corridor between Otiria and Mangakahia Rd, but that section would remain closed until all trail, bridge, bollard, cattle-stop, gate and fencing work had been completed.
Eight hundred metres between the Kaikohe railway station and Taheke Rd was also still under construction.
A route for the Okaihau to Okaka Rd section had now been confirmed in consultation with land owners, and work would begin soon.
The final challenge would be to complete the coast-to-coast route by linking the trail from Kawakawa to the Bay of Islands, and council staff had already been talking with the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust about making that section a separate steam train experience.
"At present the steam train runs an 8km round trip from Kawakawa to Taumarere railway station, with facilities to carry bikes. The trust hopes to offer a live rail experience right through to Colenso's Triangle, near Opua," Mr Penny said.
"The rail experience will be another point of difference for the Twin Coast cycle project, and will be an added marketing tool to encourage visitors to the Far North. The council is grateful for the support and co-operation it has received from farmers and land owners during the construction phase.
He said discussions with farmers and trail neighbours are on-going. "We need these people in particular, and the wider community, on board if the Far North is to fully reap the economic potential this project offers."
The council also appreciated the contributions made by Community Max workers who had built and maintained sections of the trail.
The council was now asking people not to use unfinished sections of the trail, or allow stock to graze there, until work was completed. Dogs, horses and motorbikes are not permitted on completed sections of the trail.