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Hauraki Rail Trail Pedal
Duration
4 days
Site savings
$12
From
$1,150 USD
Enjoy a 4-day cycle tour from Auckland that takes you along an old rail line to discover some stunning scenery and some North Island gems, including a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set and the sweepingly beautiful Waihi beach. This short trip is designed for the casual cyclist; it is a scenic off-road cycle trail on a disused railway route. From Thames to Waihi the path cuts through the heart of New Zealand's dairy farm region and passes through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge with a 1.1 km section of tunnel. Remains of old gold mines can be seen in the Gorge; the town of Waihi has an open cast gold mine that still operates.
- CategoryEasy-going & Leisurely
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration4 days
- Culture LevelFamiliar
- Skill Level1 - Beginner
- Activity Level2 - Moderate
- Elevation1 - Easy
- TerrainAgricultural
- Distance55.9 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance18.6 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration4 days
- Main DestinationNorth Island
- Distance55.9 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance18.6 miles
- Elevation1 - Easy
- TerrainAgricultural
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Auckland to Waihi
You will be met in the morning at your hotel in Auckland and driven to Thames to commence cycling. If you wish, you are welcome to cycle part way along the Firth of Thames from Kaiaua, known for its migratory birds. Ride from Thames to Paeroa, the home of the World famous L&P bottle, and on to Waihi, a historic gold mining town, only 10 minutes from the beautiful Waihi Beach. Ride through the old rail tunnel (1100m/3608ft) and pass old mining infrastructures such as the Victoria battery, the Blackpool Dam and Water Race and the Waihi-Waikino vintage railway.
Thames to Waihi 58 km / 36 mi
Thames to Paeroa 33 km / 20.5 mi
Paeroa to Waihi 25 km / 15.5 mi
- 15.5 miles
- Waihi Motel
- Day 2Waihi to Te Aroha
After breakfast, you have the opportunity to visit Waihi Beach, a 9km (5.5mi) stretch of inviting sand and one of New Zealand’s safest surf beaches. Another attraction is the Athenree Saltmarsh Wetlands for a leisurely stroll, and take in the area’s rich history at the historic Athenree Homestead. After lunch, you will continue cycling on the rail trail. You can retrace your steps through the gorge to Paeroathen on to Te Aroha, home to the luxurious, historic Te Aroha Mineral Spas and the Te Aroha Leisure Pools.
Waihi to Paeroa 25 km / 15.5 mi
Paeroa to Te Aroha 36 km/ 22 mi
- 15.5 miles
- Te Aroha Motel
- Day 3Te Aroha to Matamata
Continue cycling from Te Aroha on a newly opened section of the Hauraki Rail Trail to Matamata. In the afternoon, you have the option of a cycle ride on terrain that is flat to gently undulating beneath the Kaimai Ranges or a bush walk to Wairere falls (the walk to the base of the falls takes approx. 75minutes return and is highly recommended.
- 24.9 miles
- Day 4Auckland