Photo: Te Aroha Holiday Park
Summer is an ideal time to take on the Hauraki Rail Trail, with its long, sunny days perfect for exploring each unique section of the Trail. The warmer months bring the landscape to life, with lush greenery and native flowers in full bloom, making every ride a scenic experience.
Staying at holiday park campgrounds means you can take advantage of great summer amenities like BBQ areas, playgrounds, and swimming pools, perfect for unwinding after a day on the bike. And with more daylight hours, you’ll have ample time to explore nearby attractions and soak up the relaxed holiday vibe.
Photo: Cool off at the Paeroa Wharf
If you’re planning to explore the Hauraki Rail Trail, holiday park campgrounds are the perfect way to experience this iconic New Zealand journey. Not only does it keep your adventure budget-friendly, they also offer comfortable amenities, family-friendly environments, and the chance to meet fellow travellers. They are often independently owned by Kiwis, with rich local knowledge of the area and everything it offers visitors.
Friendly owners can point you in the direction of the best activities, attractions and hidden gems to explore, adding to the enjoyment of your adventure. Each park along the route provides unique accommodations, great facilities, and easy access to local highlights, making it a fantastic option for a 5-day ride. Use the campgrounds as a base to explore the local history, culture, walking, food and wine, family fun and of course the Trail.
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. We've also included our Top 2 things to see and do for each stay.
Kick off your ride at the award-winning Miranda-Tasman Holiday Park in Kaiaua, where you’ll find everything you need to relax and recharge. Known for its natural thermal pools, this park also offers playgrounds, BBQ areas, and a spa pool. It’s an excellent base to start your adventure, just a short distance from the Trail’s northern point.
Photo: Miranda-Tasman Holiday Park
1 Pūkorokoro-Miranda Shorebird Centre / Bird hides - learn about the area’s precious birdlife and view the Shorebirds up close.
2 Miranda Farm Shop, Café and Gallery - stop at the café, and enjoy one of the regular exhibitions of New Zealand print makers, painters, ceramicists and sculptors.
Nestled in a bush setting near Thames, Dickson Holiday Park offers a peaceful and scenic environment. The park has fantastic family oriented amenities, from spacious camp kitchens to laundry facilities and bike storage options. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day’s ride and take in the local attractions around Thames.
Photo: Dickson Holiday Park
1 Fish & Chips at The Wharf Café Bar - brunch, lunch or dinner, The Wharf is well worth a visit to fuel up or unwind with good food, a beer, wine or cold drink.
2 Thames School of Mines - one of New Zealand’s largest and best-preserved mining schools in the heart of the Hauraki gold fields.
Situated near Waihi, this camp provides a comfortable atmosphere with options for tent sites, cabins, and powered motorhome sites. The beach is just a short drive away, and the park is equipped with a communal kitchen, BBQs, and laundry facilities. Staying here lets you enjoy Waihi’s charm, its eateries, and easy access to the Trail.
Photo: Waihi Camp & Cabins
1 Goldfields Railway - operating a timetable between Waihi and Waikino, riders can take their bike on the vintage train for the 30 minute journey.
2 Waihi Gold Discovery Centre & Martha Mine - a fun and interactive experience which makes the gold heritage come alive.
Wander across the street to view the Martha Mine, and take the tour to experience a modern working gold mine in action.
Finally, finish up your journey at Te Aroha Holiday Park. This park’s mineral spas are perfect for soaking tired muscles, and the site offers a range of family-friendly cabins and camping spots with full amenities. Te Aroha also has thermal pools, heritage sites, and plenty of local cafés for a celebratory bite after your ride.
Photo: Te Aroha Holiday Park
1 Explore Te Aroha Township - this small and rural town has a lovely domain, and is home to some great walkways, quirky art and cafes.
2 Te Aroha Mineral Spas - Renowned for their healing properties since the 1800’s, it’s the perfect way to soothe tired muscles and unwind after a days riding.
Holiday parks offer a fun, budget-friendly way to see the best of the Hauraki Rail Trail with friends and family. You’ll have all the comforts you need, plenty of opportunities to meet other cyclists, and an easy path to planning each day’s ride.
Travel by Motorhome: Your Home Away from Home
For those with a motorhome, or considering hiring one, staying at holiday parks along the Trail combines the best of both worlds - the comforts of home and the freedom of the open road. Each park is equipped with powered sites and essential amenities, making it easy to set up, settle in, and enjoy the adventure without hassle.
A motorhome stay also offers flexibility to adapt your itinerary as you go, and the chance to relax with all your favourite things at hand. You’ll find motorhome-friendly facilities at each park, including dedicated dump stations, laundry, and communal spaces to connect with other travellers. It’s a convenient way to experience everything the Trail has to offer.
Photo: Firth Tower Motorhome Park
Start planning your adventure and experience the charm of each destination along the way. Most of the campgrounds are in or close to the Trail’s small townships where you can buy food and supplies, which allows you to travel light. Bear in mind it pays to book ahead during the busy Summer season.
You can find more help and tips to plan your adventure here, and discover all of the Motorhome options along the Trail network in Motorhome Camping On The Hauraki Rail Trail.
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