GREAT RIDE • HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL
TRAIL INFO
HAURAKI
3-5 Days 160km
Rail Trail
TRAIL GRADES:
BEST FOR: Riders of all abilities looking for a laid-back adventure.
KAIAUA to MATAMATA 160km
3-5 days
Embark on a five-section cycleway that is both gentle and flat and therefore ideal for everyday riders including children. You can tackle all five segments at once, or pick one section for a pleasant day trip. Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway This historic railway walk is just an eight-minute drive from Paeroa. The Rail Tunnel Loop is 45 minutes return whereas the Historic Walkway to Waikino is four hours. Both tracks absorb the stunning gorge, gold-mining relics and 1km rail tunnel.
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rab some binoculars because this ride commences (or culminates depending on your direction) along the Shorebird Coast, aptly named for its abundant birdlife that can exceed 10,000 in number. The route from Kaiaua to Thames presents Wetlands of International Significance, tranquil farmland, natural hot springs at Pūkorokoro Miranda and café stops in the villages of Waitakaruru, Pipiroa, Kopu and Thames.
© Hauraki Rail Trail
Under the watchful eye of curious cows, Paeroa is one of many charming townships you’ll discover along the way, and noteworthy for its giant L&P bottle. This signature Kiwi drink is a national favourite. Soon to be yours. The return trip to Waihi does add an additional six to eight hours to your schedule but is a major highlight with the 1100m tunnel complete with glowworms a huge drawcard. Gold mines define this area, with Karangahake Gorge and Victoria Battery bringing history front of mind. Back on the original route, glide under the gaze of Mt Te Aroha (‘the Mountain of Love’) and past farms resonating with vocal goats and alpacas, making headway to Matamata and Hobbiton. TOP TIP – The trail is achievable year-round and is wide, flat and smooth. There are a handful of gentle gradients and some short road sections.
KAIAUA TO THAMES 53KM GRADE 1 (EASIEST) THAMES TO PAEROA 34KM GRADE 1 (EASIEST) PAEROA TO WAIHI 24KM GRADE 1 (EASIEST) & GRADE 2 (EASY) PAEROA TO TE AROHA 23KM GRADE 1 (EASIEST) TE AROHA TO MATAMATA 37KM GRADE 1 (EASIEST) MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Mobile phone coverage is generally good; it can get patchy within the narrows of Karangahake Gorge. REFRESHMENTS: We recommend carrying plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you fuelled up; this is especially important out of peak season when some cafés and shops run on limited hours. Water bottles can be filled at settlements along the way; be sure to carry plenty on hot days. TYPE OF BIKE: Friendly rail trail terrain makes this suitable for everything from children’s bikes and uprights, to touring bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. GRADE 1 (EASIEST) GRADE 2 (EASY)
