• Karangahake Gorge’s gold mining relics and short walks
• bird spotting on the Shorebird Coast
• spooky 1100m tunnel complete with glowworms
• pretty rural scenery on the Hauraki Plains
• flinty old gold towns, Thames & Waihi
• The Cheese Barn at Matatoki
• Paeroa’s giant ‘famous in New Zealand’ L&P bottle
• vintage train rides between Waikino & Waihi
• gorgeous Owharoa Falls
• hot pools at Miranda and Te Aroha
• Matamata – the home of Hobbiton

The Hauraki Rail Trail is currently around 160km long, split into five sections. They are described below in an approximately north to south direction, although note that one section (Paeroa to Waihi) heads off on a tangent as illustrated in the map. The whole trail can be completed in three to five days, but all sections make excellent day rides.

Kaiaua—Thames

55km, Grade 1/easiest, 5–6 hours

Named ‘The Journey of Te Aho’, this section of trail follows in the footsteps of an early Māori settler, Te Aho. Starting from Kaiaua, its winds around the edge of the shallow Firth of Thames, over chenier shell banks and through wetlands of international significance.

Another great place to start your ride is the Pūkorokoro–Miranda Shorebird Centre where you can learn about the area’s precious birdlife before heading out to the hides to see them for yourself. Fanatical twitchers may wish to check ahead the arrival and departure schedules of various migratory species.

From Miranda Holiday Park and Hot Pools, the trail skirts around the Firth, following stop banks for much of the way. There are expansive views of coastal wetlands and verdant farmland, with the volcanic Coromandel Ranges a dramatic backdrop. Refreshments are available in the villages of Waitakaruru, Pipiroa and Kopu.

After the Kopu Bridge, the trail turns northwards for a few kilometres to reach Thames, an atmospheric town with plenty of dining and accommodation options. As you approach the town centre, look out for various sculptures along the community’s arts trail.

Thames—Paeroa

34km, Grade 1/easiest, 3–4 hours

This richly historic area was once only accessible via the two rivers, Waihou and Hikutaia. The Māori people believed that the deep valleys cutting through the Coromandel Ranges were carved by the thrashing tail of a taniwha.

This is also the place where bushmen, gum-diggers and gold miners sought their fortunes, routinely crossing over to the eastern side of the ranges on rugged bush tracks through forests of mighty Kauri.

It is amidst this history that this section of trail begins, at first following the old railway line out of Thames town and onward through lush farmland with the impressive ranges a constant companion to the east.

Matatoki’s Cheese Barn, The Coach House at Puriri and the Convenient Cow Cafe at Hikutaia are nicely spaced pit-stops. Near Paeroa, it’s also just a short detour to the Historical Maritime Park, once New Zealand’s most inland port.

Paeroa, at the southern end of this section is ‘world famous in New Zealand’ for its giant L&P bottle – a homage to home-grown soda-pop. Its antique shops are also notable. There’s also accommodation and places to eat for riders wanting to overnight here.

The offical start of this section is south of Thames, however, the total distance given above (34km) includes the spur section between Thames and Kopu – see this downloadable map for more details.

Paeroa—Waihi

24km, Grade 1–2/easiest–easy, 3 hours

The most popular section of the Hauraki Rail Trail follows the Ohinemuri River through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge, a deep canyon cut through the Kaimai Ranges.

Highlights of the gorge include a cascading waterfall, photogenic gold mining sites and the charmingly old-fashioned Victoria Battery museum, plus the freaky Windows Walkway that burrows through a shadowy side-gorge. The pièce de résistance is an amazing 1100-metre long railway tunnel, wobbled through with the aid of a torch.

Near the halfway point is cute Waikino Station where there’s a cafe and bike hire. This is the terminus of the vintage train that runs between Waikino and Waihi; it’s well worth timing your riding to coincide with its running times as it’s a pretty special experience. Otherwise, it’s another 8km of riding to Waihi.

With plenty of accommodation and places to eat – as well as proximity to glorious beaches – Waihi is a great base for your Hauraki adventures. This ‘Heart of Gold’ town still has an operational mine that can be visited on tours, plus the wonderfully interactive museum known as the Gold Discovery Centre.

Paeroa—Te Aroha

23km, Grade 1/easiest, 2–3 hours

Heading south, this leisurely section passes through pretty Waikato farmland dotted with dairy cows and other farm animals. Front and centre are the bushy Kaimai–Mamaku Ranges and their 952m-highpoint Mt Te Aroha (952m; ‘the mountain of love’), plus wide-ranging views over the Hauraki Plains.

Te Aroha – a small rural town with historic mineral hot pools – is a great place to soothe pedal-weary muscles. It also has a lovely town domain and is home to some great cafes.

Te Aroha—Matamata

37km, Grade 1/easiest, 2–4 hours

This gentle, relatively new, section of trail passes through fertile plains and significant horse studs.

It stretches all the way to Matamata, the home of Hobbiton, where visitors can get their Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit fix. (It’s well worth going for the gardens alone, never mind a refreshing pint at the Green Dragon Inn!) Along the way it passes various landmarks including the scenic Wairere Falls, Stanley Landing and the Firth Tower. 

The beauty of the Hauraki Rail Trail is the ability to tailor a ride of almost any length, with plenty of options for return rides, or one-way trips for riders with a pick-up. The following are popular day rides.

Waihi—Karangahake Gorge (return)

34km, easy, 2–3 hours

This popular option starts in the historic town of Waihi, from where it’s a gentle downhill into Karangakahe Gorge, crossing bridges and sticking close to the pretty river. Check out the Victoria Battery and Museum and enjoy the attractions within the gorge including the 1100m-long tunnel, cascading waterfall, and the wonderful Windows Walkway.

Waikino—Karangahake Gorge (return)

18km, easy, 3–4 hours

Waikino Station’s cafe and bike hire make it a good place to launch a lovely ride into the narrows of the Karangahake Gorge. Check out the peculiar remains of the Victoria Battery, and be sure to bring a torch to guide you through the spooky tunnel. Plunge into the river for a swim and explore the walkways branching off from the reserve.

Thames—Matatoki (return)

22km, easy, 2–3 hours

This delightful ride heads along the Thames waterfront and town outskirts before following the rail trail through lush countryside to Matatoki Cheese Factory – the kids will love the fun farm park here. A bit further on is the Puriri pub.
 

Thames—Pipiroa (return)

44km, easy, 4 hours

This pleasant outing takes in the Thames waterfront, with its arts trail sculptures and other interesting sights. Having crossed the river, the trail follows the stopbanks to Bugger Cafe – a notable local cafe with a great sense of humour and heavenly ice cream sundaes.

Thames—Waihi

58km, easy, 6–7 hours

A long but enjoyable day trip for fit riders, this ride passes through farmland and the picturesque Karangahake Gorge with all its attractions including tunnels, waterfall and the wonderful Windows Walkway. Local shuttles can transport you back to your starting point.

Te Aroha—Matamata

37km, easy, 2–3 hours

An easy day trip on mainly cruisy flat track, with hot pools at one end (Te Aroha) and Hobbits galore at the other (Matamata). Whichever direction you're headed it'll be a memorable day out. En route you'll travel through fertile farmland and impressive horse studs, and pass a ravine and pretty Wairere Falls.

TRAIL STATUS & ALERTS

For current trail status and any alerts – such as temporary track closures and detours – check the trail website or Facebook page.

FITNESS & SKILLS

The Hauraki Rail Trail is suitable for riders of all ages and abilities, being wide, flat and smooth for most of the way. Riders should take extra care on short road sections and crossings, and at cattle grids where wheels can get wedged.

TYPE OF BIKE

Friendly rail trail terrain makes this suitable for everything from children’s bikes and uprights, to touring bikes and mountain bikes.

E-bikes are also permitted and available through most bike-hire companies. E-bikers should ensure that batteries have sufficient capacity and charge for the day's riding and, if staying in local accommodation, check that they can be recharged there.
 

MAPS & NAVIGATION

Although the trail is well signposted and easily accessible from the highway, carrying the official map will enhance the experience by pinpointing landmarks and assisting with ride timings. The map can be downloaded from the trail website. A free brochure with maps and listings for local attractions is also available from visitor centres and many shops/accommodation providers along the way.

You can also download the awesome Great Rides App to see where you are on the trail. It's free, works offline and has heaps of useful information, including trail descriptions and photos, trail services, food and accommodation. 

WEATHER & RIDING SEASON

The Hauraki region is blessed with a temperate climate, making for great riding at any time of year. Riders should, however, always check the forecast, pack appropriate clothing, and note that the wind direction can greatly affect the enjoyment of the ride. A hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are essential in the summer months as there are long stretches with minimal shade.

FOOD & DRINK

Dotted along the trail and in its small rural towns are numerous cafes, restaurants, ice cream shops and even a winery. Calling in for refreshments is a highlight of the trail, so plan ahead to hit the rights spots at the right time of day.

We recommend, however, carrying plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up; this is especially important out of peak season when some cafes and shops run on limited hours. Water bottles can be filled at settlements along the way; be sure to carry plenty on hot days.

CELLPHONE COVERAGE

Cellphone coverage is generally good; it can get patchy within the narrows of Karangahake Gorge.

TOILETS

Toilets are located at convenient points along the trail.

DOGS & HORSES

Dogs

Section A: Kaiaua to Thames

Gun dogs are permitted on this section during the duck hunting season only. All dogs are allowed between Kopu and Thames.  No other dogs are permitted at any time.

Section B: Thames to Paeroa

Dogs are not permitted on this section, except where the trail intersects the urban areas of Thames and Paeroa.

Section C: Paeroa to Waihi

Dogs on leads are permitted in the Karangahake Gorge section from Waikino Station to the old Karangahake Hall site at the northern end of the Rail Tunnel, and where the trail intersects the urban areas of Waihi and Paeroa (Waikino Station is opposite Victoria Battery; the Karagahake Hall site is at the foot of the Crown Hill bridge).

Section D: Paeroa to Te Aroha

Dogs are not permitted on this section, except where the trail intersects the urban areas of Paeroa and Te Aroha.

Section E: Te Aroha to Matamata

Dogs on leads are permitted on this section.

Horses

Horses are not permitted on the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Close to Auckland, the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty, the Hauraki area is well set up for visitors. During the busy summer season, December–March, it will pay to book accommodation and transport in advance.

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GETTING HERE

The historic gold towns of Thames and Paeroa make a great base for Hauraki Rail Trail adventures, with plenty of accommodation and eateries, but the trail’s other towns and smaller settlements also have much to offer.

Auckland airport is around 90 minutes’ drive away. Various scenic North Island highways connect Hauraki to other popular destinations such as Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupō and the Hawke’s Bay.

Nationwide Intercity buses service all the towns along the trail, while smaller shuttle operators provide transport around the local area.

BIKE HIRE, TRANSPORT & TOURS

Bike hire, shuttles and luggage transfers are available from operators based on and around in the trail, with Thames, Waihi and Paeroa the major hubs.

While casual bike hire is usually easy to arrange on the spot, it will pay to book in advance during peak season (December to March). It is essential to book any shuttles in advance, too.

Several national bike tour companies also offer guided and other package trips on central North Island trails.

Find bike hire, transport & tours

ACCOMMODATION

There’s plenty of accommodation in visitor-friendly towns and rural settlements along the Rail Trail, and in popular destinations nearby such as Waihi Beach, Coromandel town and Whangamata. 

Be sure to book well in advance during peak season (December–March).

Find accommodation

VISITOR INFORMATION

Destination Coromandel

Hamilton & Waikato Tourism