Hauraki Rail Trail

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Get on your bike and Take It Easy, to places where journeys begin.

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The 197km trail showcases some of the best scenery and is one of the easiest cycle trails in New Zealand. Accessible from Kaiaua Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, Waikino, Karangahake Gorge, Te Aroha and Matamata the Hauraki Rail Trail is an easy Grade One family-friendly ride.

Travel Tips

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Top 10 Highlights Here's our must dos while pedalling your way along the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Packages and Deals

Itineraries

Bike Hire & Transport Hire a bike, comfort, mountain or electric and set off to explore this grade one cycle trail suited to all the family. Pick up and drop off shuttle options also available.

Parking

Interactive Map Plan your trip and navigate your way along the trail in real time. Discover what's next and where everything you...

Print Maps

Accommodation

Activites along the Trail Discover all there is to see and do along the Hauraki Rail Trail

Video Before leaving home watch the highlights of the Hauraki Rail Trail to help plan your one, two or three day...

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Culture & Heritage Sites From antiques to mining, Paeroa & the Karangahake Gorge both have a rich and vibrant history. Fossick for treasure in...

Produce and Dining Enjoy local homegrown cuisine as you pedal your way over the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Blogs and Stories Hear the experiences of others and what they discover along the Hauraki Rail Trail

A Cycling Holiday Discover the quirks and charms along the Hauraki Rail Trail

Events

Webcam Check out today's weather and tides in Kaiaua

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About the trail

The Hauraki Rail Trail is one of the easiest Great Rides in New Zealand. Perfect for those looking to enjoy our temperate climate and eager to indulge in The Coromandel's homegrown cuisine. Cycle between heritage towns and through the Karangahake Gorge, pausing to sample organic cheese and ice cream, wood fired pizza and boutique wines.

The 197km trail showcases some of the region's best scenery, and as a Grade One cycle trail, the Hauraki Rail Trail is suitable for all fitness levels and cycling skills. Accessible from Kaiaua, Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Matamata, Waihi, Waikino and the Karangahake Gorge, the Hauraki Rail Trail can be ridden in comfortable day sections, or as a multi-day adventure.  With section 5 the newest section to open, the leg from Te Aroha to Matamata now sees the trail increase to 197km in length. This section will take you on a journey past goat, dairy and thoroughbred farms and on to one of New Zealand's must see attractions, Hobbiton Movie Set.

Marvel at the spectacle that is the Karangahake Gorge, one of the “14 wonders of New Zealand” and the gold mining relics from yesteryear. The Karangahake Gorge showcases some of New Zealand’s best scenery, rich in pioneering history.

Situated off State Highway 2 between Paeroa and Waihi, the railway line within The Karangahake Gorge was closed in 1979, allowing visitors to access the historic sites associated with gold mining.

In the early 1900s the townships of Karangahake, Owharoa and Waikino were important mining centres with large batteries to crush and treat gold-bearing quartz from local mines. As you cycle along this scenic gorge you can feel the past all around you, with gold mining relics still scattered along the trail.

The visitor information centre at Waikino, which is housed in an old railway station, can provide you with a guide to the walks and the Hauraki Rail Trail.

The Hauraki Rail Trail is fully serviced with supported tours, shuttle services, luggage transfers, standard and electric bike hire services, laundromats, showers and plenty of dining and accommodation options along the trail.

The Hauraki Rail Trail, an experience that is good for your soul…

Dogs on the trail

Dogs on leads are permitted in the Karangahake Gorge section of the Rail Trail from Waikino Station to the old Karangahake Hall site at Crown Bridge at the northern end of Victoria Tunnel, and where the Rail Trail intersects the urban areas of Waihi, Paeroa and Te Aroha. Dogs are also allowed between Kopu and Thames. DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED on any other section of the Rail Trail.

Useful links

Thames, Paeroa, Karangahake Gorge and Waihi all offer a range of restaurants and cafes  as well as plenty of accommodation options.

For current trail status, temporary track closures and detours check the Trail website or Facebook Page