Hauraki Rail Trail
New Zealand Cycle Trail
Coromandel, North Island
The two-day, 77 km Hauraki Rail Trail will follow the path of two historic railway lines while taking in some of the best scenery in New Zealand. A mild, local climate, an easy trail gradient and its close proximity to Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga make it a fantastic weekend activity for many North Islanders and international visitors.
The trail can be ridden year-round. In the cooler months, cyclists will be especially appreciative of the link from Paeroa to Te Aroha where an evening soak in the luxurious Te Aroha Mineral Spas will be the great way to end the day.
Highlights of the Hauraki Rail Trail include:
- Thames to Paeroa will follow the old rail route while enjoying the beauty of the Coromandel Range and visiting the ubiquitous L&P Bottle of Antique Town - Paeroa.
- Paeroa to Waihi will take cyclists through the Karangahake Gorge to Waihi via a mixture of rail corridors and existing walkways. Riding through the stunning Karangahake Gorge - one of the “14 Wonders of New Zealand” - will be a majory highlight. Cyclists will enjoy breathtaking views, the opportunity for tramps and visiting historic gold mining attractions in Waihi. The cycle trail will share the walkway from Karangahake to Waikino along the tunnel route.
- Paeroa to Te Aroha is the fourth and final planned section of the Hauraki Rail Trail. This 'Kaimai Express Trail' will link the main section of the trail to the epic little spa town of Te Aroha. After a 20 km ride from Paeroa, cyclists will be greeted with heaps of accommodation options, great local mountain biking and natural hot soda spas to relax in after a long day on the trail. Te Aroha is also very well situated with ample mountain biking opportunities in the Kaimai Ranges.
The Hauraki Rail Trail is a Grade 1 ride - making it ideal for families and inexperienced cyclists. There are a variety of accommodation options, cafes, things to do and fantastic New Zealand scenery along the entirity of the trail.
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Rode the Karangahake to Waikino Trail with two toddlers on Easter Sunday. Very exciting going through the tunnel and playing in the Victoria Battery. Lunch at the cafe was the icing on the cake. Great ride to get ourselves addicted.
Posted by Robyn Gordon, 25/04/2012 9:11am (27 days ago)
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We did the section from Waikino to Te Aroha this Easter, both in 50's, and I hadn't been on a bike in 10 years! I'm overwieight and not super fit and had a great time. Wonderful scenery and history. Thanks a lot to Allen at Outdoor adventure in Te Aroha for the bike hire and lift to Waikino to start our trip. Took us 41/2 hours in total including a stop at Mac Donalds in Paeroa for coffee. Only down side was saddle soreness as not used to being on bike and a short stretch between Paeroa -Te Aroha that has been done in a very fine gravel that was like treacle to get through! Busy on an Easter Monday in the tunnel, watch out for pedestrians!
Posted by Helen Stone, 12/04/2012 9:28pm (1 month ago)
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We did the section from Karangahake to Waikino and back this last weekend. Really enjoyed it!
We decided to park at the Crown Hill Road end of the trail (just west of Karangahake, there's a public car park there) and cycled east in an anticlockwise direction (leaving the tunnel until last) all the way up the right hand side of the Ohinimuri River. After a couple of kilometres, we had to lift our bikes up onto one of the footbridges, but this was just a couple of steps and no big drama. Then we carried on along the river, hopping off in a couple of places as the track became narrow in a couple of places. We eventually popped out at the far end of the tunnel then continued east along a nice wide and very easy track. A brief 10-15 minute walk to a small waterfall was worth a short diversion, then we carried on to the Victoria Battery which was absolutely fascinating to wander around and we thoroughly recommend a visit to the museum where for only $5 you get a guided tour and for $8 you get to go underground too!). They also have a small train ride that gives a tour around the site, but as we were on the bikes, we didn’t feel that was necessary. We carried on another kilometre or two and finally arrived at the Waikino Station and Cafe where we got the best coffee and fruit cake we’ve ever tasted! They do more substantial lunches too if desired. Suitably refreshed we headed back east down the trail and this time cycled the last leg through the Karangahake Tunnel. It’s pretty dark although it is lit up and the track is very well formed... it’s pretty long too! And to complete the loop, we popped out straight onto another footbridge (no steps this time) and straight back to where we’d parked up!
We took ½ a day in total. You could do it quicker if you wanted too, but it’s worth taking your time, enjoying the views and soaking up the history of the area.
We can’t wait until the track is extended, east and west. It will make a great multi-day trail.Posted by Jan D, 31/10/2011 8:26pm (7 months ago)
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I took the family on the leg from Karangahake to Waikino this past weekend. It was stunning. Everyone loved the ride through the 1km long tunnel (new lighting makes it very easy to see) and the gentle ride along side the river. My youngest who is 6 managed fine with a few pushes from Mum. This rail trail will be a huge asset to the district.
Posted by Mary Hamilton, 27/09/2011 11:48am (8 months ago)
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