Tour 4 - The Great Hauraki Rail Trail Tour
4 day Self-guided Complete Hauraki Rail Trail
Experience the highlights of the Hauraki Rail Trail
Day 1
Pick up your bike from the JollyBikes store in Thames. You will be then shuttled to Kaiaua, from where you cycle along the Eastern side of the Firth of Thames, which is an important coastline consisting of wetlands where migratory birds and local seabirds feed. Halfway, at the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Center, you can learn about the bird life in the area. Hides offer the chance to view the shorebirds up close and identify the various migratory species. As long as the Thames - Waitakaruru section is under repair, a shuttle will then take you back From Waitakaruru to Thames. Arriving in Thames, we suggest a late lunch at The Wharf, a fabulous, down-to-earth Fish&Chips restaurant, where you can replenish your energy levels. Then there are plenty of options to spend the afternoon in Thames: several museums about Gold mining and Kauri Logging, a 4 km Coastal Walk, or a stroll through one of the longest shopping streets in New Zealand. When the full length of the section is open again, you can start your ride in Thames, which makes it about 25 km 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 and from there to Kaiaua, where you get picked up.
Day 2
Start again in Thames 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. 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 antiques shops of Paeroa. This was also where the ‘World Famous in New Zealand’ L&P drink was founded, a kiwi icon, and not only the people of Paeroa still rever and enjoy it. After strolling through the town, you will have an overnight stay there.
Day 3
The most popular section of the Rail Trail is through the Karangahake Gorge following the Ohinemuri River. A deep canyon cuts through the Kaimai Ranges. This area has great landscapes such as the Owharoa WaterFall. Also through the gorge are many places of historic significance, like the Karangahake mining sites, the Victoria Battery which was erected in 1897 and going past the Windows Walk which sends you through old mining facilities, burrowed in a side gorge. 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, which, walking through short mining tunnels, allows looking down the gorge. Then, on the bike again, you get to the Waikino Station which holds the Waikino Station Cafe, where you can enjoy great food. Once you reach Waihi you can look back on the history by visiting the Waihi Gold Discovery Center. There is no rush during the day, You'll be riding back through here the next day. Overnight stay in Waihi.
Day 4
Ride back to Paeroa, back through the Karangahake Gorge which gives you another chance to stop and enjoy the view. From Paeroa, you will ride to Te Aroha, following the Rail Trail, making it an easy journey. Enjoy lunch in The Refinery in Paeroa, a rustic and quirky cafe. On the ride to Te Aroha you pass through sections of Waikato Farmland, dotted with cows and other farm animals. Te Aroha is sitting 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. Shuttle back to Thames.
Duration including lunch stop:
Day 1: 6-7 hours, 42 km
Day 2: 4-5 hours, 34 km
Day 3: 6-7 hours (incl. walks/attractions), 24 km
Day 4: 6-7 hours, 47 km
Fitness level: Moderate (long hours in the saddle)
Trail Condition: Easy straight Gravel Trail
Group size: Min. 2 people
Recommendations:
Check out the bird-hides in Miranda. If you get lucky you might be in for a free guided bird walk. Have a short stop at the Kopu bridge to have a look back at Thames to get a great view. While in Paeroa, Visit the L&P Cafe and the giant L&P Bottle for a photo. Check out the Windows Walkway which is in the Karangahake Gorge to enjoy the bush and to see the Gold-Mining history in the area. (Approx, 45 Minutes - 1 hour). Also have a quick stop at the Owharoa Falls to take in the beauty of the falls. If you start early on day 4, you could reach Te Aroha around lunch time. 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. Alternatively you can relax in a mineral spa pool (bookings essential) or walk one of the many other walk tracks around town.
Included Services:
Bike hire 4 days incl. instructions
Helmet, Lock & Bike Bag Hire
Map and travel tips
Overnight accommodation in Thames (Double/Shared twin room)
Overnight accommodation in Paeroa (Double/Shared twin room)
Overnight accommodation in Waihi (Double/Shared twin room)
Luggage Transfers
Shuttle from Thames to Miranda/Kaiaua on day 1
Shuttle from Te Aroha to Thames at 4pm on day 4
Panniers are included on request
Price:
E-Bike: NZ$ 1,600 p.p
Standard Bike: NZ$ 1,300 p.p
Children up to 12 years half price if group size then 3 or more.
Get a 5% discount on your tour when you pay in full at least 2 months before the booking date.
Optional:
Price with tour guide on request
Pre- or post-tour accommodation is available from NZ$125 per night p.p. when booked alongside your tour reservation
Mineral Spa Pools Te Aroha from NZ$45 p.p.
Kayak Tour of Te Aroha from $75 per person
Our tour pricing is based on a minimum of two people, with discounts available for larger groups.
Rental Terms and Conditions
Minimum age for renting e-bikes is 18 years old. However children under 18 may be able to use the e-bikes under parental supervision. Please contact us in advance to discuss.
Half day - 4 hours bike rental.
Monday - Friday hires must be returned no later than 4:30 pm. Saturdays hires must be returned no later than 1:30 pm. Sundays hire by negociation in prior to the day.
Optional accidental damage insurance: Standard bikes incur a fee of $10 per day, while e-bikes are subject to a $20 per day charge.
Surcharge for usage on mountain bike tracks: 50% of standard price (due to more intensive cleaning requirements and higher wear and tear).
One way hire - available on request in advance at an additional cost.
Discount for rentals: 4+ days: 15% off total price
Public holiday surcharge extra $30 per booking
Bike availability may vary.