The laid-back Hauraki Rail Trail, part of Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand is a Great Ride for all ages and abilities.
With its gentle terrain and abundance of accommodation, cafes and restaurants, it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying trails in the North Island.
Leisurely riding traces the Shorebird Coast, quaint historic towns, lush farmlands, a historic railway corridor through the Karangahake Gorge, and then heads South to Matamata, home of the Hobbiton Movie Set. With options to explore the Coromandel further, it’s the perfect getaway for a relaxed 4-5 day adventure.
The varied Trail offers a memorable journey across 160km of track comprising of 5 sections. Take the time to enjoy the ride as a 5 day journey at an easy pace. As a Grade One cycle trail it is suitable for riders of all ages, fitness and abilities. Across the Hauraki Rail Trail Network, cattlestops are 1300mm wide, and the bridges at their narrowest 1100mm wide, which makes the Trail accessible to most. Book accommodation, shuttles and bike hire through one of our Official Trail Partners.
Have you ridden the Trail recently? We need your feedback to help us secure future funding to take the Trail from Good to Great. Please take a few minutes to complete the Survey, and be in the draw to win a Kennett Brothers Cycle Trails Book.
Less than 2 hours from New Zealand's largest City
The Hauraki Rail Trail is a short drive from Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga and is accessible from the quaint townships of Kaiaua, Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi and Matamata. Officially starting from Kaiaua in the North, the start of the trail traces the Shorebird Coast along the Firth of Thames. Riders enjoy contrasting landscapes from the verdant Hauraki Plains, to the intriguing Karangahake Gorge, carved by the forces of nature. Finally, there’s a gentle ride South through lush farmlands to the hometown of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
The temperate climate provides a great all-season riding experience. The Trail is predominantly wide, flat and smooth, with a gentle gradient, making it suitable for everything from children’s bikes and uprights, to touring bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. Bike hire, shuttles, luggage transfers, tours and accommodation are available from operators based on and around the trail, with Thames, Waihi and Paeroa the major hubs. You can find details for each of the Trail Heads here, and a useful Distance Chart here.
