If you’re planning to explore the Hauraki Rail Trail, staying at holiday park campgrounds is the perfect way to experience this iconic New Zealand journey. With Parks stretching from Kaiaua in the North, to Te Aroha in the South, our Official Partners have got you covered for one or more nights stay.
When planning your next ride on the Hauraki Rail Trail, make sure you put Waihī Beach at the top of your list as the Must-Stay destination. This picturesque coastal town, just 10 kilometres east of the Waihī end of the Trail, at the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula, is the perfect place to start or end your Rail Trail journey. It offers a mix of stunning natural beauty, boutique experiences, and activities to explore all year round.
A family cycling adventure on the Hauraki Rail Trail is a fantastic way to spend quality time together while exploring beautiful landscapes and discovering hidden gems along the way. In mid October, the Stimson Family visited from Auckland to Ride the Hauraki Rail Trail. Here’s a diary of their adventure, and a few top tips to pass on.
Whether you’re pedalling your way through lush landscapes or enjoying a stroll with family, being respectful of others ensures everyone has a great experience. Here are some tips to help you share the Trail with care.
Cycling should be an experience everyone can enjoy, and ensuring our trails are accessible is a vital step toward creating inclusive outdoor spaces. Read the interview with 17 year old Liam Carter to hear more about adaptive riding and his vision for Ride Your Trike NZ.
In an era when responsible travel is front of mind, PurePods stands as a beacon of eco-friendly accommodation. We sat down with the PurePods team to hear more about the 5-star luxury off-grid experience, and got a little excited about Ruru, their latest offering in our very own Karangahake Gorge.
Spring is the season of renewal, making it the perfect time to embark on a cycling adventure. The Hauraki Rail Trail in New Zealand, with its stunning landscapes and mild weather, offers an ideal setting for a springtime ride.
Keith Woodley celebrates 30 years with The Pūkorokoro-Miranda Shorebird Centre. To mark this special milestone, we asked Keith to tell us more about his work, the environment, the coastal wildlife and their contribution to the community and beyond.
Ben Riordan is the creator of Trail Sharing, an online platform based on collaboration which provides an alternative method for people to access many of New Zealand’s tramping and mountain biking trails.
We caught a ride with Ben to hear more about the concept, how it works, and his hopes for the future.
Trail Angels are our very best friends on the Hauraki Rail Trail. We are celebrating Steve Lye, who is a regular cyclist on the Trail, clocking up 22,000km over the past four years. You can find Steve daily on the Trail between Waihi and the Karangahake Gorge and he is often our eyes and ears on the Trail, reporting trees down, terrain issues or other risks to our trail users.
Paeroa (from a Maori word meaning “long ridge”) has a population of approx. 6,114. Established in the 1870s, the town was originally a thriving port servicing a flourishing gold mining community. Paeroa is conveniently within an hour and a half’s drive of three of New Zealand’s largest cities; Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga. Located centrally on the Hauraki Rail Trail, you’ll find bike hire, shuttle services, great accommodation and eateries all on the doorstep.
Fiona and Murray Pennell are the owners of Pedlars Motel, which is situated right beside the Rail Trail in Paeroa. Having done their homework on the Hauraki Rail Trail, they decided to build a Motel which would incorporate Rail Trail users and also offer a lock up bike shed facility.
We asked them to tell us more about the business, why they love what they do, and their tips on making the most of your stay in Paeroa.
The Pūkorokoro-Miranda Shorebird Centre is an information and education centre on the shores of the Tīkapa Moana / Firth of Thames. In December 2023 they launched a Guided Tour of the Reserve.
As the memories of a long, hot Summer fade, it’s time to prepare for the cold of Winter looming on the horizon. Winter cycling can cause extra wear to your bike. We’ve put together a few simple checks to keep your bike in tip top condition.
Biking Hiking Shuttles is a family owned and operated business run by Sue and Pete Middleton. The duo are based approximately 7 kms south of the town of Te Aroha, close to the Hauraki Rail Trail and within easy access to the Kaimai hiking trails. We caught a shuttle with Sue and Pete to hear more about their passion, and to hear how this creative team can enhance your experience of the Trail and the surrounding countryside.
Whether it's short walks, mineral spas, or mouth watering food to keep you going, Te Aroha offers plenty of opportunities to hop off the bike and make the most of your ride. With this in mind, we've put together a spotlight on the township, which includes places of interest and great spots to fill up hungry tummies.
The varied Waikato Hauraki Rail Trail offers visitors a memorable journey across 160km of trail comprising of five distinctive and manageable Sections. The diverse trails are Grade 1 Easiest and offer rides for all abilities, interests and itineraries. If you’re hungry for adventure, and want to experience the wild and natural essence of the region, we’ve got you covered.
Autumn is one of the best seasons to ride the Hauraki Rail Trail. Busy Summer crowds are long gone, and the weather gloriously settled. Just pack a merino and rain jacket, and you might have the Trail to yourself.
A historical town situated 1.5 hours' drive from Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, Thames is located between the Firth of Thames and the majestic Coromandel Ranges. Thames is full of character and comes with plenty of dining and accommodation options making it an ideal base from which to explore. We’ve put together our list of favourite Things To See & Do In Thames. Enjoy one, or all, and share a few photos and stories with us on the Hauraki Rail Trail Facebook Page.
Outdoorsy mum, Ceana Priest, is on a mission to get kids to ditch devices and head outdoors this summer. The former conservation ranger spent the past four years exploring the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Central Plateau regions with her seven-year-old son and has written a guidebook combining all three areas. We asked Ceana to share her experience of the Hauraki Rail Trail with us, and also to pass on a few tips when adventuring with kids.
Originally built as a single story hotel in 1868, the Lady Bowen was dismantled and the materials were used in its rebuild as a two story hotel in 1882 by the proprietor William Mahony. Barbara and Stu Caisley purchased the property in 2018 and established the property as a bed and breakfast. We caught up with them to hear more about the Lady Bowen, what guests can look forward to, and Barbara’s top tips for enjoying the Trail and Thames surrounds.
The laid-back Hauraki Rail Trail is a Great Ride for all ages. 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. The Trail is ideal for families looking for a manageable adventure, retired people, school groups, social clubs, to celebrate special occasions, and overseas visitors looking to experience the best of New Zealand. If you’re looking to ride the Trail, we've put together a basic guide to get you started.
Gina Cambridge is a long-time local to the breathtaking Coromandel Peninsula, particularly the Paeroa area, where she grew up. She’s a passionate traveller with many solo global adventures up her sleeve, and subsequently took a leap to create her own local, boutique women’s retreats in New Zealand - Wanderlust Solo Women Tours. We slipped into holiday mode and caught up with Gina to hear more about the philosophy behind her retreats, why she encourages women to join her adventures, and of course where she’s intending to explore in the world next.
Riverside Adventures Waikato are an Adventure company, specialising in Biking and Kayaking tours, bike hire and trail shuttles and have been in business for almost 11 years. We sat down with Business Development Manager, Memorie Brooky to hear more about how they tailor adventures, their 4-Day ride on the Hauraki Rail Trail, the Amazing Adventure Race for schools, and the exciting launch of accommodation pods with stunning views of Lake Karāpiro, the Waikato River and Maungatautari.
The Cheese Barn at Matatoki can be found along the Thames to Paeroa section of the Hauraki Rail Trail. This 34km leisurely ride passes through lush farmland with expansive views across the Hauraki Plains and the Coromandel Ranges. With the Historical Maritime Park, and the quaint townships of Thames and Paeroa to explore, it makes for a fun and manageable day ride. We caught up with owners Cathy and Kelvin to learn a little more about the Cheese Barn, what visitors can expect, and hear where they're headed next.
Regardless of age, fitness level, or the list of aches and pains, you can enjoy the fun, adventure, and health benefits of biking. Cycling is one of the best exercises for ageing bodies, as it helps you work your cardiovascular system and keep your heart healthy. Whether you haven’t ridden for years, or want to ride more regularly to get a little fitter, here’s a few tips and itineraries to get started.
The Hauraki Rail Trail provides a perfect opportunity for an easy cycling break. With the trail easily accessible and with support options available, you’re guaranteed a relaxed cycling holiday. There are plenty of cool detours to be had off the bike too, with walking, arts, culture, local hospitality and a wealth of attractions to add to the fun. We've put together our Top 10 List of things to do both on and off the Trail.
Concrete cyanide tank stands reminiscent of ancient ruins are among the remains of the Victoria Battery at Waikino. Constructed on the south bank of the Ohinemuri River, it’s easily accessible from the Hauraki Rail Trail.
We asked Kerry Single from the Victoria Battery & Museum Society Inc. to tell us what visitors to the site can expect today, and about their work to preserve the history of the Battery.
Natalie Gauld is a Pharmacist, Mum, and loves to enjoy the outdoors. In March 2022, Natalie was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Natalie is documenting her Summer of Motoming and has enjoyed adventures on Section A and C of the Hauraki Rail Trail. Here's what she had to tell us.
If you enjoy reading, a visit to Books On Seddon is a Must Do. Owned and run by Margaret Kaye, the second-hand store is a treasure trove of fiction and non-fiction, quiet reading nooks and quirky art. We sat down with Margaret to find out more about her business, the fascinating people who pass through the door, what inspired her to work with books, and of course discover what’s in her reading pile.
Aviator Experience offers visitors an unexpected, mesmerising experience.
The diverse topography of the Waihi region provides a rich playground for all to enjoy. The spectacular native bush, Karangahake Gorge and nearby Waihi Beach are wonderful places to explore and enjoy. Waihi's thriving community has a rich and fascinating history, including over 100 years of mining gold and silver.
Previously the Housewithnonails has been host to visitors from all over the world, providing a truly luxury experience. Sitting quietly in its beautiful location in Wardville, the barn can accommodate up to 16 guests. Since New Zealand’s borders closed due to Covid-19, more Kiwis have enjoyed the homestay and weekends have been filled with bookings of groups escaping the city. We asked Jen (photographer, storyteller, traveller, vintage Op shopper, passionate host and creative stylist of events) to tell us her Trail Tips. Here’s what she had to say…
Rob Johnston first became involved with the Thames Public Art Trust (TPAT) in late 2017. Having been pursuing his idea for a sculpture trail along the Hauraki Rail Trail, he was advised that TPAT might be a good body to associate with, having already formed the Underfoot Gallery, with its series of paintings on the footpaths in Thames. We caught up with Rob to ask him more about his involvement with TPAT, the importance of art in communities, and plans for future installations.
Home to three generations of the Howse family, the Bullswool Farm Heritage Park has a diverse and interesting array of rare breed farm animals, several working farm museums, outdoor displays, and an award-winning Native Bird Reserve. We caught up with owner operator, Sue Howse to hear more about the farm and why it’s a Must Do when you ride the Hauraki Rail Trail.
The picturesque seaside town of Kaiaua boasts a stunning coastline, beautiful parks, a Pirate Ship playground, local monthly market, and expansive views of the Firth and the dramatic Coromandel Ranges.
The Falls Retreat offers perhaps one of the most memorable experiences along the Hauraki Rail Trail. Located opposite Owharoa Falls, cycling from their house to Waikino Train Station for an ice cream is a regular favourite for owner Emma Walters and her two children. We asked Emma to tell us her picks for when you ride through Karagahake Gorge.
Keeping youngsters entertained is no easy task. The good news is, there are lots of activities on and off the Trail to enjoy that don't cost a cent. So if you’re keen to plan and outing or two, but don’t want to spend lots of money, we’ve put together some good options to keep you and the rest of the family happy.
Motorhome camping is a great option for those with a love of road trips, together with the comfort of having your own self-contained space. With this rise in popularity in mind, we've put together everything you need to know to kickstart a Motorhome Camping holiday in New Zealand, which includes an adventure on the Hauraki Rail Trail.
At the grand age of 82, Derrick Rowe, or Didge as he’s known, is one of our Hauraki Rail Trail Angels. Born in Bristol, England in 1940, Didge has had a colourful life, living in Australia, Wellington, Auckland, and now Kopu. Living within easy access to the Trail, he's clocked up over 8,000 kms on his bike over the last 15 years. We caught up with Didge to hear more about his love and support for the Trail, the changes he’s seen over the years, and what he’d like to see in future.
Wayne and Christine Laurenson are owner/operators of Valley Tours & Transfers, and are based in Paeroa. The core business is focused upon moving passengers, luggage and bikes to and from the five Sections of the Hauraki Rail Trail. We caught up with Wayne and Christine to hear about the range of services on offer. How the business has been affected by Covid-19. And with New Zealand’s borders re-opened where visitors are coming from. Tapping into their broad knowledge of the region, we were also keen to hear what adventures they would tack on when riding the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Spring is time for rejuvenation and new beginnings. It’s time to step outside and soak up the extra sunshine, warmer temperatures, and longer days. So, if Spring has you fired up and heading out for your first ride, spend a little time getting your bike fit for the trails. We've put together a few basic bike maintenance tips to help ensure a safe and efficient ride all season.
John and Kate Driver describe themselves as Sailors who love to Bike. They have pushed past their comfort zone over the years, mostly through John’s thirst for adventure and inspirations, with Kate as facilitator. Over 30 years, Kate and John have clocked up an impressive 70,000 kms adventuring around the world. We asked Kate and John to tell us about their time on the Hauraki Rail Trail, how it compares to other Great Rides they’ve ridden, and offer a few Trail Tips for when you next explore the Trail.
The Hauraki Rail Trail has some wonderful Cafés either alongside the Trail or nearby. The Miranda Farm Shop, Café & Gallery is one, and located at the bottom of the Firth of Thames it offers expansive views of the Coromandel Peninsula. We caught up with owner operators Sean and Annie to hear a few of their favourite things about the area, and of course where they’re planning to adventure next.
The Coromandel Distilling Co. in Thames craft gins and other limited release spirits with a relentless focus on quality and the art of distilling. Gin from the tiny micro-distillery was recently awarded the World’s Best Classic Gin. Founders Paul Schneider and Daniela Suess have lived in Thames for 15 years. We asked Paul for a few of his insider tips.
With Easter just a few weeks away, it offers a perfect long weekend of biking adventures and delicious chocolate treats of course. We all love holidays, and if you’re partial to a sneaky egg or two, be sure to include something chocolatey in your backpack. With multiple access points, you can tailor your ride to almost any length. We've put together a few popular rides suited to leisurely chocolate laden adventuring.
Nikki Scott and her husband took on the full Hauraki Rail Trail in June 2021 riding over 4 days. We asked Nikki to tell us about her best decision, her biggest lesson, and a few sightseeing tips too.
Corbett House, or The Big House as it’s known locally, is situated in the peaceful rural village of Hikutaia, just a 20 minute drive from Thames and 1.5 hours drive from Auckland. David and Anja Corbett bought the house in 2018. It was the first time Corbetts had lived in the house for 40 years. We asked Anja to tell us more about the connection she shares with the property which is run as a Bed & Breakfast, and the benefits of being located so close to the Trail.
HELP Waihi, is an incorporated society originally established by people representing the local section of Forest & Bird, Newmont Waihi Gold, and local schools. Established in 1997, projects undertaken by the society aim to improve the local natural environment of the Waihi Ecological area, and also across the Hauraki district, particularly along riverbanks, and use the help of community volunteers and schools. We caught up with the society's Chairman, Warwick Buckman to hear more about his work and the special relationship with the Trail.
Firth Tower Museum is a great destination for users of the Te Aroha to Matamata Section of the Hauraki Rail Trail. The Trail runs right past the door, so riders can veer off to use the facilities and enjoy the tranquil grounds. Or for a nominal fee, explore the historical village and climb the tower. The team at the Tower love visitors, and having riders pop in to say hello, and enjoy what's on offer. We caught up with Amy Hunter, Manager of Firth Tower to hear about what visitors can look forward to this Summer.
As children, there’s nothing better than extra curricular adventures with your school friends. And as adventures go, bike rides topped off with overnight camping would possibly come top of the list. In October this year, not just one class, but the entire Kerepehi School headed en masse to the Karangahake Gorge. The overnight stay at Waitewheta Camp amounted to a whopping 72 children aged 5 -13 years, and 22 adults to ensure a safe and successful outing.
Adventure Specialties Trust is a not-for-profit charitable organisation delivering outdoor education and adventure therapy programmes, that seek to facilitate the holistic development of individuals, families and communities. The Hauraki Rail Trail is a favourite location for the Trust's activities, and provides a number of rides of various lengths in differing locations. We caught up with the Trust's Auckland Operations Manager, Jeff Lappin, to hear more about their outdoor adventure programmes.
Most of us have a favourite tipple, but our newest Official Partner Wayne Chowles (and partner Kathy) has just won an Award for his Gold Gin. The Waikino Hotel publican is a gold-medal winner for Eliza’s Claim Gold Gin at this year’s New Zealand Spirits Awards. We caught up with Wayne to hear more about his new venture, what he believes makes the Hauraki Rail Trail so unique, and of course what’s next…
The small and picturesque settlement of Waikino sits alongside the Ohinemuri River, between Waihi and the Karangahake Gorge. The abundance of history, steam locomotives, mining relics and lush forest make Waikino an ideal place to stay when you ride the Hauraki Rail Trail. It's no wonder locals Kevin and Sarah fell under the spell of an old miner's cottage in the village. We caught up with the creative duo to hear about the cottage's renovation, why they love to run their business right on the Trail, and of course where they're hoping to adventure next themselves.
Historically cycling networks have been designed around two wheeled bikes, and with able bodied cyclists in mind. There is however a growing demographic of cyclists with a disability, whom with improved technology and equipment have been introduced to a mind blowing, world expanding opportunity to explore our trails like never before. Ross Ormsby has ridden parts of an impressive 11 Great Rides, which as a Tetraplegic is no small feat. We caught up with the inspirational adventurer to hear about his experience on the Hauraki Rail Trail, why cycling is so beneficial to the disabled community, and of course where he’s hoping to adventure next.
Across the road from the iconic Cornish Pumphouse, the Gold Discovery Centre invites visitors to step into the past and hear about tales of love, war and social strife in early Waihi. The Gold Discovery Centre also houses the regional i-site, the visitor hub for the area’s abundant attractions, along with Waihi Bicycle Hire. We caught up with owner operators Eddie and Karen to hear about why riding the Trail isn’t just about riding a bike, what’s putting big smiles on faces, and where they’re exploring next.
E is not just for e-Bike, but also ecstatic as our lucky Winner Alan Lockett made the journey from Palmerston North to Thames to collect his Avanti Explorer E2 e-Bike prize. We caught up with Alan to find out a little more about the bike’s recipient, what benefits it will bring for him, and where he’s intending to adventure first.
Every bike ride is enriched by the things we can see and do along the way. Whether it's short detours to waterfalls, train rides, or the mouth watering food that keeps us going. The Hauraki Rail Trail offers plenty of opportunities to slow down the pace and hop off the bike. With this in mind, we've put together a ride between Paeroa and Waihi, which includes places of interest and great spots to fill up hungry tummies. As all New Zealanders look to their backyard with fresh eyes, we hope you'll enjoy supporting the wonderful businesses along this iconic section of the Rail Trail.
With some of New Zealand’s greatest Must Do’s found in the Coromandel, there is every reason to ride, stay and play longer in this magical region. A 5 Day ride allows visitors to explore attractions and activities along or near the Trail, which showcase this unique and idyllic destination. We’ve put together a 5 Day Ride setting you off from Kaiaua in the North, or you can simply enjoy the itinerary in reverse.
With Summer in full swing there's never been a better time to explore New Zealand with fresh eyes. We can research travel options, book cheap flights and accommodation for the first few nights, and everything else can be taken care of once we arrive. We've put together a ride for Section B of the Hauraki Rail Trail, which includes a selection of our incredible Official Partners. We hope you enjoy all they have to offer as they work hard to enrich your Rail Trail experience.
With some of New Zealand’s Must Do’s found in the Coromandel, stay and play longer in this magical region, and explore the many attractions and activities along or near the Trail. We’ve put together four options for a 3 Day Ride on the Hauraki Rail Trail. There’s a ride starting in the North, South, or centrally, plus an Advanced rider option which takes in the entire Trail across just 3 days.
With temperatures warming up it's a great time to dust off the bike and make the most of the Trail. Remember it's time to #backyourbackyard, so we've put together a ride for Section A of the Hauraki Rail Trail which includes a selection of our wonderful Official Partners. We hope you enjoy all they have to offer as they work hard to enrich your Rail Trail experience.
Get a taste of the Hauraki Rail Trail with our 1 Day Rides. Whether you're short for time, or passing through the Region, the Trail is one of the easiest cycle trails in New Zealand and the 5 Sections allow for a range of manageable scenic day rides.
Located in the bountiful Western Bay of Plenty and gateway to the Coromandel, Waihi Beach is just 2 hours drive from Auckland, 1.5 hours from Hamilton and 50 minutes from Tauranga. The name Waihi Rising Water is said to be named after a stream which flows into the beach. With its boutique stores, cafes and restaurants, Waihi Beach is the ideal place to explore and unwind after your ride. We caught up with locals Peter and Karen West to hear about why they’re excited to run their business so close to the Trail, why riders should extend their adventure to the town, and where their next cycling holiday will be.
With 5 sections to choose from the Hauraki Rail Trail offers the perfect opportunity for half day rides to get a taste of the Trail. Riders can comfortably traverse one Section each day, or select a shorter route for a relaxed morning or afternoon of sightseeing and leisurely biking. Whatever your adventure looks like we've got you covered with a handful of suggested trips that will have you coming back for more.
Regardless of age, fitness, or the list of aches and pains, you can enjoy the freedom, fun and health benefits of biking. Whether you’ve recently got into cycling or have well worn pedals, here’s a few things to consider, and suggested rides to kickstart the adventure.
Long weekends away offer the perfect combination of biking adventures together with an excuse to indulge in all things delicious. The Hauraki Rail Trail has an abundance of eateries with delicious food, either alongside the trail or nearby. If your ideal spin on the bike includes mouthwatering temptations en route, we’ve selected a few heavenly options to help get your outing underway.
Waihi’s Trilogy Events created the Trail Trilogy in 2017. The vision was to get people of all ages active, and to promote the Hauraki Region through the Rail Trail. The onslaught of Covid-19 put pay to both the 2020 and 2021 event, however the epic day will return on Sunday 11 September 2022. We caught up with Event Director, Mark Samson to hear more about the initiative and find out which race tickles his fancy.
When it comes to Winter, it’s safe to say most of us probably fall into one of two camps. The die hard wrap up and hit the trails kind, and those of us whose bike rests in hibernation covered beneath a season’s dust and cobwebs. So, if Spring’s warmer days and lighter evenings have you fired up and heading out for your first ride, spend a little time getting your bike fit for the trails. Our basic bike maintenance tips will help ensure a safe and efficient ride all season.
With it's wide, flat and smooth terrain for most of the way, the Hauraki Rail Trail is a safe and ideal place to test drive an e-Bike, or ride your own with confidence. With a little extra power to back you up, you can explore the trails with friends or keep up with the rest of the family. At or below 300 watts, an e-bike is considered a bicycle rather than a motorcycle. Whilst e-Bikes aren’t cheap to buy, most bike hire or tour companies offer them so you can get a feel for it before investing in your own. We've put together a few facts and popular day rides suited to leisurely and gentle e-bike adventuring.
If you want to spoil yourself, or celebrate a special occasion there are a few ways to introduce a little bit of luxury to your Rail Trail experience. Whilst spectacular landscapes and towns are there for everyone to enjoy, you can introduce extra special activities, food and wine or luxurious accommodation to enrich your adventure. So if you’re looking for a little bit of luxury when you book your Rail Trail adventure, here’s a few special places to stay, dine and experience to get you started.
The abundance of history surrounding the Hauraki Rail Trail is there for everyone to enjoy along this unique Trail. From heritage towns and buildings, Captain Cook’s landing, concrete cyanide tank remains, the 1100-metre long railway tunnel, a vintage Railway, to the modern day working Martha Mine. We’ve put together a list of historical highlights, so whether you’re intending to ride the entire Trail across 4-5 days, or choose a Section to enjoy across a day, there’s plenty to see and learn about for history buffs and lovers of yesteryear.
The Hauraki Rail Trail is an ideal destination for a family friendly holiday. Quality surfaces, steady gradients, and off road trails away from traffic, offer multiple benefits. There's also a range of activities, sights, and points of interest along the trail, with support available for bike hire, accommodation and transport. To help kickstart your adventure, we've put together a handful of options for accommodation, dining and activities. With a little research and careful planning, hopefully you’ll be cultivating a lifelong love of cycling in your kids.
Hauraki Rail Trail in the North Island showcases some of the region's best scenery. There’s a variety of detours to be had off the bike too, with walking, arts, culture, local hospitality and a wealth of attractions to add to the fun. One such feature is the growing addition of Art installations along the Trail. Riders can enjoy these works from the towns of Thames and Te Aroha.
New Zealand is a great destination for an active cycling or mountain biking break, and with options for every budget there’s no need to break the bank. Whatever your budget there are options to ride the Hauraki Rail Trail depending on the kind of experience you’re seeking. If your perfect adventure needs to be thrifty, we’ve put together a few places to stay and things to enjoy which won’t blow the budget.
Adventuring with friends and family is hard to beat. There is much to be said however for hitting the trails by yourself. Just you, your bike, your thoughts and fresh air, and utterly in keeping with physical distancing. So next time there’s an opportunity to ride, seize the day. Converse with yourself, bike your favourite trail, lunch at your desired cafe, and head home when you’re good and ready. If you need convincing…here’s our 10 reasons to fly solo.
For many of us cycling is a way of life. It’s something we love to do, and want to be good at. As with any physical activity however there’s bound to be ups and downs, sometimes with our motivation lurking or absent. The good news is it happens to us all, and there are many ways to find your biking mojo - especially after lockdown.
We are in this together has become a familiar term as we all self-isolate at home in our bubbles. Some of us under each other’s feet in large families, whilst others rattle around the house alone with or without the dog. The key to this long road, is to work out how we’re going to look after our own wellbeing, our whānau, and our community as we get through this together. We've put together some tips to help protect yourself and others, along with a handful fun bike related activities to do from the safety of your home.
Recently retired Glen Goodnough and Pam Griffen from Maine USA, are cycling New Zealand following the Tour Aotearoa Route. Their first night on the Hauraki Rail Trail which is part of the TA route would be the Miranda Holiday Park at the northern end of the trail. Less than 10kms into their ride, their all essential bag of tent pegs and poles jettisoned off the back of a bike. We caught up with Pam and Glen to hear all about their adventure (and adversity) on the Rail Trail.
The Hauraki Rail Trail is a buzz with excitement as construction nears completion on the new extension from Te Aroha to Matamata. Matamata offers a range of walking options, golf courses, and an extensive selection of Cafés and Accommodation, making it a great place to unwind after riding the Trail.
Many of us live close to a handful of great trails to enjoy in our downtime. There are only a handful however who are lucky enough not just to have the Rail Trail on their doorstep, but who use and enjoy it for work every day.
Located in Paeroa, the Best Little Town in the North Island of New Zealand, Hauraki Bike Hire is locally owned and operated by Michael Tansey. With an intimate knowledge of the region, there’s no one better to tell a few stories about the Rail Trail. We caught up with Mike to hear about his sister’s visit from Ireland, how he likes nothing more than the solitude of open spaces, and he offers a few tips on slowing down to smell the roses.
People often ask what makes the Hauraki Rail Trail special, and it would have to be it’s versatility at the top of a long list. With multiple access points from townships along the Trail, there are many groups who gather to make the most of the tranquility, variety and fun on offer. One such group is the Pokeno Tramping Group who organise walks in the Hunuas, Coromandel, Northern Kaimais, Waikato and Franklin regions.
Riding together as a family is a great way to get children active, and away from devices and screen time. It’s a social sport they will enjoy throughout their life, and encourages quality family time in the great outdoors. When we exercise, the food we put into our bodies needs to support the activity. Without fuelling up properly, we might notice we have less endurance, and feel tired or perhaps even a little bit dizzy.
New Zealand is a great destination for active cycling or mountain biking breaks, with accessible riding trails and tracks near most cities and towns. You’re guaranteed a cycling holiday to remember, with beautiful landscapes found around each bend. We caught up with Gary Patterson of the Great Rides APP to discover what he loves most about the Hauraki Rail Trail. If you want to follow in Gary’s footsteps, we’ve put together two easy rides for you to enjoy on Section C of the Rail Trail.
Renowned for being the toughest one-day race in the Southern Hemisphere, the K2 Cycle Race is one of New Zealand’s most popular races on the calendar. It’s a Bucket List experience, and a perfect opportunity to explore the Coromandel region, and then slow the pace down with a leisurely ride on the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Whilst the Hauraki Rail Trail is one of New Zealand's Great Rides, there are plenty of people who enjoy the Trail on foot. One such regular visitor is Claire Whittle, who trains on the Rail Trail. We caught up with Claire to find out why the Rail Trail is such a great place to train. Why her favourite section was also once the scariest, and her top tip for enjoying the Trail at its most tranquil.
When you ride with children, it’s time together, new experiences, challenges, fostering independence and building confidence. Introducing kids to an established and easy ride like the Hauraki Rail Trail comes with multiple benefits. We've put together a few top tips to help you plan a smooth and fun family adventure.
The 160km Hauraki Rail Trail provides an unrivalled cycling experience for the whole family, within a two hour drive from Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. If you like getting out on the water, Waimarino Kayak Tours showcase some of the best waterways in the Bay of Plenty. If you’re tempted to dip a toe in the water, or are a seasoned waterman, we’ve selected our two favourite tours for you to include a paddle with your pedal.
Dewi is Welsh, and a craftsman. Jen a local Kiwi, and host of the housewithnonails Boutique Bed & Breakfast. This unique, handcrafted, rustic, eco friendly homestead graces the horizon along the new Te Arohoa to Matamata section of the Hauraki Rail Trail. A unique home full of character and personality, and a pure reflection of hosts Jen and Dewi, and their burgeoning efforts to share their space with strangers who depart as friends.
We caught up with Emma Walters, owner of The Falls Retreat to discover what she loves most about the Hauraki Rail Trail. Why her favourite section is all about the ice cream, and a top tip for parents considering an adventure with kids in tow.
With so much on offer when you ride the Hauraki Rail Trail, book in a few extra days either side of your ride and linger longer. If you’re keen for more adventures, swap biking for hiking and stretch your legs with one of the many excellent walks both on and around the Trail.
For men and women there’s plenty of health benefits associated with cycling. However, studies show that physically active women have a lower risk of breast cancer than inactive women. Cycling regularly is a fun and simple way to incorporate physical exercise into your life, and is a great way to keep your sanity in check, stay focused and grow stronger. We've put together a pampering intinerary and 7 reasons why seeing the world from behind handlebars can do your mind, body and soul the world of good.
Electric Bikes otherwise known as E-Bikes are rapidly growing in popularity. Now cyclists can reap the many benefits they offer, with the bikes readily available to hire. We've put together a few facts and benefits, together with a handful of popular day rides suited to leisurely E-Bike adventuring.
Riding a bike offers learning in disguise. It provides an opportunity to experience new things, build skills, share knowledge, tell stories, adventure and make positive transport choices. Introducing kids to an established and easy ride like the Hauraki Rail Trail comes with multiple benefits. We’ve put together a few ideas to help engage young children, so you can encourage them to cycle with you more often, and further.
Winter is a great time for adventuring on and around the Hauraki Rail Trail. It can be wished away, or used well. So rather than lose your biking mojo, combine one section of Trail with a local activity and feel a little smug. We’ve put together 5 Winter Adventures to tack onto your ride.
With Winter just around the corner, our motivation might be lurking beneath a warm blanket by the fire. It’s a time of year most of us need a little persuasion to notch up an adventure or two over the chilly months. There are however plenty of reasons not to put your bike out to pasture over winter.
Goldfields Railway Incorporated was established in 1980 to preserve the rail heritage of the local area. The Society now operates the popular tourist railway between Waihi and Waikino, catering for history buffs, railway enthusiasts and visitors to the Hauraki Rail Trail. With its fabulous scenery, and historical mining sites, it’s a Must Do when riding the Rail Trail.
Concrete cyanide tank stands reminiscent of ancient ruins are among the remains of the Victoria Battery at Waikino. Constructed on the south bank of the Ohinemuri River, it’s easily accessible from the Hauraki Rail Trail. The site got its name from the Victoria Rock, located between Waihi and Waikino, which resembles the profile of Queen Victoria.
The beauty of a day ride is you can travel light, but it’s still worth carrying all the essentials, some of which can be shared amongst your group. Packing the right gear, snacks, and tools can be the difference between a fun day out on the trails and a long walk back to the car.
