The Hauraki Rail Trail showcases some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer and is rich in pioneering history. A major highlightof the trail is riding through the stunning Karangahake Gorge, one of the '14 Wonders of New Zealand'.
The trail can be accessed from Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, or Te Aroha. The Hauraki Rail Trail is a 2-day ride, making it an ideal weekend experience - there are also a range of shorter riding options.
Key attractions along the way include:
- Thames – gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula
- Paeroa - the home of the World famous L&P bottle
- Waihi – historic gold mining town, only 10 minutes from the beautiful Waihi Beach
- Te Aroha – home to the luxurious, historic Te Aroha Mineral Spas and the Te Aroha Leisure Pools
- Old mining infrastructure such as the Victoria battery, the Blackpool Dam and Water Race
- The Waihi-Waikino vintage railway
Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha and Waihi all offer a range of restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as accommodation options including hotels, motels, backpackers, and Bed and Breakfasts.
Stage 2 of the proposed cycle trail will be a leg from Kaiaua to Thames, which will add approximately 50km (an additional day) to the trail. This work will be planned after the completion of stage 1.
Best time to ride
The trail’s easy gradient and great local climate make it a good ride all-year-round. If you prefer to stay clean and dry, the best months to ride the Hauraki Rail Trail are September to May. Whatever the weather you’ll be able to cool off at nearby Waihi Beach, or warm up at the famous Te Aroha Mineral Spas. The trail is a grade 1 ride, which will cater for all levels of riding ability including families and cyclists of all ages.
Getting there
The trail’s easy gradient and close proximity to Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga make it an easily accessible weekend activity for a huge portion of New Zealanders and international visitors. The trail can be accessed from Thames, Paeroa, Waihi or Te Aroha.
Trail partners
This trail is a partnership between the Hauraki District Council, the Matamata-Piako District Council, the Department of Conservation and Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.
