This summer, trade the hum of the air-con for the hum of your tyres on the trail. Just an hour south of Auckland, the Hauraki Rail Trail is your ticket to sunshine, open spaces, and pure New Zealand adventure.
The Trail is Grade One, meaning it’s one of the easiest of New Zealand’s Ngā Haerenga Great Rides - smooth, flat, and perfect for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re cruising on an e-bike, pedalling with the kids, or just looking to escape the everyday, the Trail offers the freedom to go at your own pace.
Photo: Section C - Paeroa to Waihi
Stretching across 197km, it’s divided into five scenic day rides, winding through lush bush, rolling farmland, shimmering coastlines, and towns steeped in gold-mining history. Along the way you’ll spot shorebirds gliding over wetlands, hidden waterfalls tumbling through the forest, and dark tunnels echoing with the whispers of the past.
And when it’s time to refuel? Pull up at a local café for a paddock-to-plate lunch, sip a handcrafted gin, or cool off with a dip in a sparkling river swimming hole. The Trail is as much about the moments off the bike as on it.
Photo: Matatoki Cheese Barn - Thames to Paeroa
A Simple Summer Itinerary
Photo: thecoromandel.nz - Waihi township
Start your morning in Waihi, riding through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge, where native bush hums with cicadas and the river sparkles below. Stop for lunch at a riverside café or the famous Falls Retreat, then take a post-ride dip at Owharoa Falls before heading to your boutique stay for a well-earned rest.
Photo credit: Falls Retreat - Owharoa Falls
With friendly local operators offering bike hire, shuttles, accommodation, and great food, planning your adventure couldn’t be easier. So why not do something different this summer? Grab your sunnies, pack your sense of adventure, and discover why the Hauraki Rail Trail is one of New Zealand’s most loved cycling getaways.
Top Tips for Summer Riding
Stay hydrated: Carry plenty of water and refill whenever you can as the summer sun can be fierce.
Slip, slop, slap: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essentials on exposed sections of the Trail.
Pack light, but smart: Bring a small backpack with snacks, a light jacket, and a phone or camera for those epic photo stops.
Ride early: Beat the heat by starting your day early, and enjoy cooler temperatures and quieter trails.
Cool off naturally: Don’t forget your swimwear - there are plenty of rivers, waterfalls, and beaches perfect for a refreshing dip.
Photo: Wharf jumping at Paeroa Wharf
« Back to articles
