For passionate explorers and motor-homers looking for their next unforgettable journey, the Hauraki Rail Trail delivers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. Spanning 160km across the stunning Waikato and Hauraki regions, this Great Ride is one of New Zealand’s easiest and most accessible cycle trails.
The Trail winds through a patchwork of lush farmland, dramatic gorges, historic gold mining towns, and friendly rural communities. Best of all, it’s incredibly RV-friendly, with well-placed holiday parks, freedom camping spots, and welcoming towns offering everything from hot pools and bike hire to artisan cafes and country pubs.
Start your journey in Kaiaua, where you’ll find all the amenities and a hot pool at the Tasman Miranda Holiday Park. From here, follow the route south to Thames, a historic town with charm, excellent eateries and the start of the Sculpture Discovery Trail. Continue on to Paeroa, famous for its antiques and base yourself at the Paeroa RV Centre or Historical Maritime Park. Ride through the scenic Karangahake Gorge, and enjoy a night or two in Waihi, where the Gold Discovery Centre and Martha Mine offer plenty to explore.
Photo: Kōpū Bridges, Thames
Next stop, Te Aroha. Park up near the Domain and soothe tired muscles in the historic mineral spas, before finishing in Matamata, the gateway to Hobbiton and home to boutique shops. Clearly signposted sections, excellent visitor facilities, and plenty of places to stay and play, make it the ultimate slow-travel experience for RVers.
Photo: Firth Tower Motorhome Camping option on Section E
With five distinct sections, visitors can pick and choose the parts that suit their timeframe or interests. Shuttle operators and tour providers make logistics a breeze, offering transport, bike hire, luggage transfers and local insights, so you can focus on the sights along the way.
If you're travelling in a motorhome, there’s a great mix of options to park up and unwind along the Hauraki Rail Trail. From Holiday Parks and NZMCA Parks to POPs (Park Over Properties), freedom camping spots, and dedicated motorhome sites across the trail's townships, RVers can choose their pace and plot the perfect base for daily riding adventures.
This spring, get rolling and ride the Hauraki Rail Trail, where the journey is as memorable as the destination. You can discover more about Motorhome Camping options across the network here.
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