Plan your Hauraki Rail Trail visit, book a bike, and organise transfers. Whether you have just a couple of hours or a whole day, there are many ways to explore the Hauraki by bike.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Hauraki Rail Trail rides
The laid-back Hauraki Rail Trail is a Great Ride for all ages. With its gentle terrain and abundance of accommodation, cafes, and restaurants, it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying trails in the North Island.
The official website has plenty of information for you to plan your adventure! Click the links below for details and trail maps of the 5 great trail rides of Hauraki.
Remember to check trail status by visiting the Hauraki Rail Trail website and clicking the Trail Status link.
Day rides
Section A: Kaiaua to Thames – 55km (5-6 hours)
Internationally renowned for its ‘Wetlands of International Significance’ and migratory shorebirds.
Section B: Thames to Paeroa – 34 km (3-4 hours)
Farm to Gate, with cheese factories and wineries, while passing through tranquil farmland
Section C: Paeroa to Waihi – 24 km (6 – 8 hours Return)
Riding through the historic and scenic Karangahake Gorge past gold mines and through the 1km long tunnel.
Section D: Paeroa to Te Aroha – 23 km (2-3 hours)
A leisurely ride through lush farmland under the gaze of Mount Te Aroha (‘the Mountain of Love’)
Section E: Te Aroha to Matamata – 37 km (2-4 hours)
An unexpected journey past goat, dairy, and thoroughbred farms, with views to the Wairere Falls and the Firth Tower to Hobbiton (Matamata)
Multi-day rides
5 Day (Cruising) – 197 km
A leisurely ride with time to take in all this area has to offer
3 Day (Advanced) – 197 km
Ride it like you stole it!
Need transportation?
We have partnered with local business Valley Tours & Transfers. They offer a range of options for the traveler wanting to explore our spectacular area.
Book a bike with us, and book a transfer with them. The perfect combo!
TO DO IN HAURAKI
Start your Hauraki Rail Trail adventure in Paeroa. Centrally located along the Trail, we have a full range of Bikes available for hire including Electric Bikes and Children’s Bikes.
PAEROA
Paeroa is centrally located for your Hauraki Rail Trail adventures, just minutes from beautiful bush, river walks, and the spectacular Karangahake Gorge. Offering art galleries, antique shops, golf, river cruises, trout fishing, delicious eateries, and accommodation, you’ll want to linger longer. Come and see us, and we’ll promise the adventure of a lifetime.
KARANGAHAKE GORGE
The most popular section of the Rail Trail follows the Ohinemuri River through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge. This bush-clad canyon is home to the cascading Owharoa waterfall, intriguing gold mining sites, the Victoria Battery ruins and museum, and spooky Windows Walkway.
WAIHI
The Goldfields Railway vintage train runs between Waikino and Waihi. Time your bike ride to coincide with its timetable for a special experience. With its variety of accommodations and eateries, Waihi is a Must Visit on your Hauraki adventures. This ‘Heart of Gold’ town still has the operational Martha Mine that can be visited on tours, plus the wonderfully interactive museum known as the Gold Discovery Centre.
THAMES
The Paeroa to Thames section of the trail passes through verdant farmland with incredible views across the Hauraki Plains and Kaimai Ranges. Make time to stop at the Matatoki Cheese Barn and Historical Maritime Park, once New Zealand’s most inland port. As you approach Thames town centre, stop and enjoy the many sculptures along the community’s Arts Trail.
TE AROHA
Te Aroha is a small rural town that sits beneath the watchful gaze of Mt Te Aroha (952m The Mountain of Love). Its historic mineral spas are a great way to soothe pedal-weary muscles. The town itself has a lovely domain and is home to some good walks, street art, and cafes.
