The Waikino Experience

The Waikino Experience

Spend the day exploring Karangahake Gorge with its cascade waterfall, historic mining relics, and bush clad mountains. Enjoy a homestyle lunch in the Historic Hotel, listen to stories of the past, and sip on Gin with a magical dusting of edible gold.

Ease into your day with a leisurely ride, following the Ohinemuri River through the Karangahake Gorge. This deep canyon cut through the Kaimai Ranges offers a distinctly different landscape, and is the most popular section of the Rail Trail.

Pack a torch and marvel at the 1100m long tunnel which took five years to complete using picks and shovels. Then hop off the bike to discover the unique surroundings of the staircase Owharoa Falls, a series of three waterfalls. 

Before arriving at Waikino, stop to explore the concrete cyanide tank stands reminiscent of ancient ruins which are among the remains of the Victoria Battery, constructed in 1897 to crush ore from the Martha Mine. 

At the Waikino Memorial Bridge cross the river to relax over a homestyle lunch with heart-warming hospitality and a rich history. Ex­pe­ri­ence award winning Eliza’s Claim Gold Gin with four­teen dif­fer­ent botan­i­cals, and enjoy story telling of times past and present. Refreshments and sweets await in what was once the National Bank Gold Refinery, following the gentle return ride to Paeroa. 

RIDE DETAILS:

36.5km Return Ride

Grade 1 (Scenic)

Ride time: 9.45am - 4.00pm - Saturday 6 April

Price: $110.00

Ticket includes: 

  • Lunch and beverage
  • Gin tasting and historic stories
  • Afternoon refreshments
  • Festival Hub
BOOK NOW

Return to the Festival Hub for a chance to Win a West Coast Wilderness Trail Experience

End your ride at the Paeroa Maritime Park to enjoy the Festival Hub atmosphere and be in to win the Grand Prize - a West Coast Wilderness Trail Experience plus other giveaways at 6.00pm. Fuel up with delicious fare, grab a cold drink, listen to live music, kick back, and share the highlights of your Bike Fest experience with family and friends.

Karangahake Gorge
Victoria Battery
Waikino Hotel