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
4-5 days
Leisurely, long and laid-back the Hauraki Rail Trail is a Great Ride for all ages. Gentle terrain and plentiful accommodation, cafés and restaurants, make it ideal for all riders including children. Tackle all five sections across four to five days, or pick one to enjoy a manageable day ride. Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway This historic railway walk includes the Rail Tunnel Loop (45 minutes return) and the Historic Walkway to Waikino (four hours). Both tracks absorb the stunning gorge, gold-mining relics and the 1km rail tunnel.
30
P
ack some binoculars, as this ride officially starts on the Shorebird Coast. Tracing the Firth of Thames, riders discover the region’s bird life and wetlands of international significance. Stop at the Pūkorokoro–Miranda Shorebird Centre and bird hides before making your way to Thames. The ride to Paeroa offers unforgettable views across the
© Hauraki Rail Trail
Hauraki Plains and Kaimai Ranges. From the Historical Maritime Park take the riverboat into Paeroa. The most striking section follows the Ohinemuri River through the Karangahake Gorge. Gold-mining history and a 1100m railway tunnel feature in this fascinating canyon. Hop on the Goldfields Railway train for the 30-minute passage between Waikino and Waihi stations. The onward journey is dotted with dairy cows, riding under the gaze of Mt Te Aroha. Stop in the town to soak in the historic mineral spas, and enjoy the walkways, art and cafés. Continuing south, this gentle section passes fertile plains, horse studs, and groves of scented trees before reaching Matamata. Celebrate with a visit to Hobbiton Movie Set and a tipple at the Green Dragon Inn.
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)
