Tour 5 - The Ultimate Hauraki Rail Trail Tour
5 day Self-guided Complete Hauraki Rail Trail
Experience all 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, turn towards Paeroa, riding 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 Southern Coromandel Ranges. This area has awesome landscapes such as the Owharoa Waterfall. Also through the gorge are many places of historic significance, like the former Karangahake mining sites, 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, which, walking through short mining tunnels, allows you looking down a breathtaking gorge. Then, on the bike again, you get to the Waikino Station which holds 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 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 continue 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. Overnight stay in Te Aroha.
Day 5
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 the Middle Earth (Hobbiton). 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 get a shuttle back to Thames to end your journey at 3:00pm.
Alternatively, stay in Matamata to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on the next day, which is located just 20 minutes outside Matamata.
Duration:
Day 1: 2.5-7 hours (incl. lunch), 25 - 55 km
Day 2: 4-5 hours (incl. lunch stop), 34 km
Day 3: 6-7 hours (incl. walks/attractions and lunch), 24 km
Day 4: 6-7 hours, (incl. lunch stop), 47 km
Day 5: 4-5 hours (incl. lunch stop), 37 km
Fitness level: Moderate (long hours in the saddle)
Trail Conditions: Straight Easy Gravel Trail
Group size: Min. 2 people - we will happily arrange tours for individuals.
Included Services:
Bike hire incl. instructions
Helmet, Lock & Bike Bag Hire
Map and travel tips
Gold Discovery Centre entry
Overnight accommodation in Thames (Double/Shared twin room)
Overnight accommodation in Paeroa (Double/Shared twin room)
Overnight accommodation in Waihi (Double/Shared twin room)
Overnight accommodation in Te Aroha (Double/Shared twin room)
Luggage Transfers
Shuttle from Thames to Miranda/Kaiaua at 10.00am on day 1
Shuttle from Matamata to Thames at 3.00pm on day 5
Price (based on 2 people sharing a room):
E-Bike: NZ$ 2,000 p.p.
Standard Bike: NZ$ 1,650 p.p
Children up to 12 years from NZ$ 1,100 p.p.
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 $125 per person per night when booked alongside your tour reservation.
Private Mineral Spa Pools Te Aroha from NZ$45 p.p.
Kayak Tour of Te Aroha from NZ$75 per person
Hobbiton from NZ$170 p.p. including transfers.
1-2 Days Add-On: Te Awa River Ride from $530 p.p. including pre-night in Matamata.
Our tour pricing is based on a minimum of two people, with discounts available for larger groups. All features are subject to availability as they can be outside of our control.
Want even more of the fun?
Additional Recommendations and Options:
On your way to Paeroa, you might take a small detour / alternative route to the Maritime Museum just out of town (signposted).
Free add-ons
On your way to Waihi, check out the Windows Walkway through old mines in the Karangahake Gorge to enjoy the bush and see the Gold-Mining history in the area. (approx. 1 hour). Then, have a stop at the Owharoa Falls to take in their iconic beauty.
If you start early on day 4, you will reach Te Aroha around lunchtime. You can take a short walk up to the Whakapipi Lookout (45 minutes one way, on the Mt Te Aroha Summit Track) to have an amazing view over the Waikato. Or you walk through the local wetland area and watch the water birds.
Paid add-ons:
In Te Aroha, relax in a private mineral spa pool (bookings through us NZ$ 50 pp) or book a kayak tour through the local wetlands (NZ$ 75 pp).
Additional nights from NZ$ 125 pp based on a shared room.
In Matamata, at the end of your journey on the Hauraki Rail Trail, you will be only 20 minutes away from the famous Hobbiton movie set. Why not stay a night and visit it the next day? We are happy to arrange that for you for an additional NZ$ 590 per person (min. 2 people, incl. Accommodation and Hobbiton tour).
A further add-on is the Te Awa River Trail, 65 km mostly along the mighty Waikato River. It is a comfortable ride on firm ground through Hamilton. A must-see are the Hamilton Gardens, which are world class (min 2 hrs recommended). The price for the one day add-on is NZ$ 530 p.p., including accommodation in Matamata the night before, transfer from Matamata to the trail, and back to Thames, entry, bike hire, and luggage transport. Post-night in Thames recommendable.
An alternative is to do this in two days, with one overnight stay in Cambridge. Price on request.
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.