New Zealand is a great destination for an active cycling or mountain biking break, with accessible riding trails and tracks near most cities and towns. You’re guaranteed a cycling holiday to remember, and with options for every budget there’s no need to break the bank.
Cyclists can make interesting and free detours to enjoy walking, arts, culture, local hospitality and a wealth of attractions. Whatever your budget there are options to ride the Hauraki Rail Trail depending on the kind of experience you’re seeking.
Bike hire, shuttles and self-guided tours are available with a variety of services at great value. Similarly accommodation and eateries range from modest through to a little bit of luxury. 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.
Riding the Hauraki Rail Trail is free, and you can organise your trip so that it doesn’t cost the earth. The region has some excellent camping grounds, or you can choose to stay in motels or cottages. These options are a great way to meet like-minded travellers and share similar experiences in a friendly environment.
Camping grounds bathroom and laundry facilities are shared, and you can cater for yourself in the well equipped communal kitchens. The camps are sited in small townships where you can buy food, which allows you to travel light. Bear in mind it pays to book ahead during the busy Summer season.
Award winning Miranda Holiday Park offers a choice of first class self-catering accommodation to suit all budgets and needs. Situated on the scenic Auckland / Coromandel Pacific Coast Highway, it’s an oasis with hot mineral pool on-site and offers a great get away for the whole family.
The Te Aroha Holiday Park is a unique country camping experience in one of New Zealand’s few remaining traditional holiday parks in the Waikato. Set in beautiful rural settings, surrounded by dairy farms and views of Mount Te Aroha, there are plenty of biking and tramping tracks. All amenities are just a few minutes drive or short walk from the Park.
The stunning staircase Owharoa Falls are nestled in the heart of the Karangahake Gorge. The Falls make an ideal picnic spot while riding the Trail. If it’s warm enough cool off with a swim in the crystal clear fresh water.
The Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre is a great destination to encounter some of New Zealand’s amazing birdlife. Visitors can find information, birding tips, environmental education, accommodation and view shorebirds up close from the bird-hides.
The Karangahake Tunnel Loop Walk is a must do, taking you along the Ohinemuri River and over the lower Waitawheta River, fully immersing hikers in New Zealand native flora. The 45 minute loop walk includes the 1100m railway tunnel, so ensure you pack a torch or head lamp. You can find other walks on and around the Trail here.
If you enjoy antiques and fossicking for something different, Paeroa is a treasure hunter's dream and the selection of stores won’t disappoint. There’s plenty of second hand bargains, but if your wallet isn’t making an appearance this special pastime is a fun way to spend a couple of hours.
Explore Te Aroha and enjoy artist Adrian Worsley’s unique sculptures made entirely from recycled materials. Furnishing the town with a series of sculptures functioning as bicycle racks and a drinking fountain, forms an on-going promotion of an Arts trail through Te Aroha to Te Aroha West.
Forget going from A to B, and make time for a detour or two. The mesmerising Wairere Falls can be found along the new Section of trail between Te Aroha and Matamata. The Firth Tower is also worth a visit with its peaceful grounds and antique displays in the many buildings.
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