The Ultimate Hauraki Rail Trail Tour

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Thames to Kaiaua (Section A)

   Internationally renowned for its 'Wetlands of International Significance’ and migratory shorebirds.
   

   Pick up your bike from the operator's base in Thames. At 10 am a shuttle will then take you to Waitakaruru. This is where you can begin your ride*.

   Halfway, at the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Center, Miranda, you can learn about the bird life in the area, and the feast of the Godwits annual migration. Bird Hides offer the chance to view the shorebirds up close and identify the various migratory species and if you are lucky you might be in for a free guided bird walk. 
   

   Arriving in Kaiaua, there is the Pink Shop with snacks, and a famous, down-to-earth Fish & Chips restaurant, where you can replenish your energy levels. In Kaiaua you will be picked up again and brought back to Thames to your accommodation.

   *When the currently closed trail section between Pipiroa and Thames is reopened, you can start your ride in Thames, which makes it about longer, to a total of 55 km, crossing the Kopu Bridge over the river Waihou and riding along mangroves on the stop banks to Waitakaruru - but you can still choose to take the shuttle if preferred.
   

   Thames has a history in Gold mining and Kauri Logging, With plenty of dining and accommodation options.

   Day 1: approximately 6-7 hours (incl. lunch stop)
   

   
   

   • 26.1 - 34.2 miles
   • Accommodation in Thames

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     Discover the Birds of the Region

     Visit the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Center along the way

2. Day 2Thames to Paeroa (Section B)

   Farm to Gate, with a cheese factory and wineries, while passing through tranquil farmland
   

   Start again in Thames, but then turn towards Paeroa, through lush farmland, crossing many wooden bridges and passing farm animals. This historic area was once only accessible via the two rivers that run through, The Waihou and the Hikutaia River. The Rail trail follows the old railway out of Thames and through the Hauraki plains country, with views of the Kaimai Ranges.

   On your way to Paeroa, you might take a small detour / alternative route to the Maritime Museum just out of Paeroa (signposted).
   

   Have morning tea at the Matatoki Cheese Barn and then ride on to the "Antique Town" of Paeroa. You will have time to browse the many antique shops of Paeroa. This was also where the ‘World Famous in New Zealand’ L&P drink was founded, a Kiwi icon, and it's not only the people of Paeroa enjoy it. While in Paeroa, visit the L&P Cafe and the giant L&P Bottle for a photo.

   After strolling through the town, you will have an overnight stay there.

   Day 2: approximately 4-5 hours (incl. lunch stop)
   

   • 21.1 miles
   • Accommodation in Paeroa

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     Beautiful Daily Views

     Enjoy lovely surroundings, with plenty of diversions along the way

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     Matatoki Cheese Barn

     Have morning tea at the Matatoki Cheese Barn during your ride on day 2

3. Day 3Paeroa to Waihi (Section C)

   Riding through the historic and scenic Karangahake Gorge past gold mines and through the 1km long tunnel.
   

   The most popular section of the Rail Trail is through the Karangahake Gorge following the Ohinemuri River. A deep canyon cuts through the Southern Coromandel Ranges. This area has breathtaking landscapes such as the Owharoa Waterfall. Also through the gorge are many places of historic significance, like the former Karangahake mining sites, and the Victoria Battery, which was erected in 1897. An exciting bit is the 1100-meter-long railway tunnel which has been repurposed as a bike tunnel. There is also the option to do the famous Windows Walk, where you can walk through short mining tunnels and look down a breathtaking gorge. Later, stop at the Owharoa Falls to take in their iconic beauty - you may even stay there for a while and put your feet in.
   

   Then, on the bike again, you'll arrive at the Waikino Station which has a local cafe, where you can enjoy great food. Once you reach Waihi you can further look back on the history by visiting the Gold Discovery Center. There is no rush during the day, as you'll be riding back through here the next day. Overnight stay in Waihi.

   Day 3: approximately 6-7 hours (incl. walks/attractions)
   

   • 14.9 miles
   • Accommodation in Waihi

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     Owharoa Falls

     Visit this lovely spot on day 3

4. Day 4Waihi to Te Aroha (Section C/D)

   A leisurely ride through lush farmland under the gaze of Mount Te Aroha (‘The mountain of love’)
   

   If you start early on day 4, you will reach Te Aroha around lunch time. Ride back to Paeroa, back through the Karangahake Gorge which gives you another chance to stop and enjoy the view. Enjoy Lunch in The Refinery in Paeroa, a rustic and quirky cafe.

   From Paeroa, you will continue to Te Aroha, following the Rail Trail, making it an easy journey.  On the ride to Te Aroha you'll pass through sections of Waikato farmland, dotted with cows and other farm animals. You could take a short walk up to the Whakapipi Lookout (45 minutes one way, on the Mt Te Aroha Summit Track) to have an amazing view over the Waikato. Or walk through the local wetland area and watch the water birds. Te Aroha sits at the foot of Mt Te Aroha (953m). The mountain gives great views over the expansive views of the Hauraki Plains. Soothe your muscles as you soak in the natural, silky mineral water that has made Te Aroha famous for over 100 years.  Entry to the private Mineral Spa Pools at Te Aroha is not included in the tour price but can be added as an optional extra on booking (from NZ$45 pp - bookings are essential).

   A kayak tour of Te Aroha is also available as an optional extra for either today or tomorrow from $75 per person, and can be added when booking.

   Day 4: Approx. 6-7 hours
   

    
   

   • 29.2 miles
   • Accommodation in Te Aroha
5. Day 5Te Aroha to end (Section E)

   An unexpected journey past goat, dairy and thoroughbred farms, with views to the Wairere Falls and the Firth Tower to Hobbiton (Matamata)
   

   Depart from Te Aroha at your leisure and continue down the Rail Trail through the Waikato. Passing cows and horses, as you ride on to Matamata, home of Middle Earth (Hobbiton, from Lord of the Rings). On your way over you may want to check out Cafe 77 for lunch and the Wairere Falls, the highest waterfall on the North Island.

   Just out of Matamata is the Firth Tower and the museum and gardens within its grounds. Then you can either get a shuttle back to Thames to end your journey at 3:00pm or choose to stay in Matamata one more night to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set the next day, which is located just 20 minutes outside Matamata.  We can organise a Hobbiton Movie Set visit if required which can be reached by bus.
   

   Note that a kayak tour of Te Aroha is also available as an optional extra for this morning from $75 per person, and can be added when booking.

   Day 5: Approx. 4-5 hours (incl. lunch stop)
   

   • 23 miles

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     A Tour for all the Family

     The tour can be customised to suit all ages