Motorhome Camping Options - Section E
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 more than a dozen motorhome camping options available across the Trail Network, there's every reason to visit the region and spend time exploring the Hauraki Rail Trail. Visitors can find a combination of holiday parks, New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Parks, NZMCA Park Over Property (POP) Parks, and Freedom Camping locations. We've collated all of the options by Section, which also list our Top 5 things to see and do. You can find all of the motorhome camping options here.
Where can I camp on Section E?
Te Aroha - Matamata: 37 kms (2-4 hours)
Café 77 is situated right on the Hauraki Rail Trail half way between Te Aroha and Matamata, in what was once the old derelict Manawaru Dairy Factory. Welcoming cyclists not only for great food, coffee and drinks, there is also a wide range of bike racks, an air compressor and bike tool kits to keep riders comfortable on their journey.
There is plenty of off road vehicle parking for cyclists to use as the start or end point to their day on the Trail. The on site event centre Community View is available for group gatherings, complete with a climbing wall for the adventurous, and within the lovely landscaped grounds there is a Motorhome and Caravan Park. The Park only suits self contained units, as there are no powered sites, toilets or water. The Park is dog friendly, and so guests are welcome to bring their four legged friends.
Firth Tower Museum offer self contained motorhome/caravan stop over sites. You can drive into the car park at any time of the day or night, and there are powered and non-powered sites available. There is a public toilet and fresh water available, and with the Historic village on your door step you can enjoy a stroll around the gardens and buildings.
Where else can I park my motorhome along Section E of the Hauraki Rail Trail?
Freedom Camping sites are available across the Trail Network within the three District Councils.
Matamata-Piako District Council
The following reserves provide space for informal camping, however motorhomes must be self-contained and have their own toilet and water supply on board.
Te Aroha Council Office, Kenrick Street (on the gravel car park at the rear of the building.
Visitors travelling in motorhomes must dispose of their wastewater responsibly by visiting a dump station. Dump stations are located at:-
Te Aroha - Te Aroha Boat Ramp Reserve, Terminus Street
Matamata - Hetana Street Reserve, Hetana Street
Our Top 5 Things to See & Do
1 The Old Forge Kitchen or Café 77 - two great cafes welcoming cyclists for great food, coffee and drinks. At Café 77 you'll also find bike racks, an air compressor and tool kits to keep you comfortable on your journey.
2 Housewithnonails - this totally handcrafted barn is unlike any other homestay in New Zealand. Contact host Jen to discover options for quick coffee visits, event hosting, Pop Up Gigs and overnight stays. The barn can accommodate 16 guests.
3 Firth Tower Museum - enjoy the tranquil gardens, picnic under oak trees, and explore the museum displays housed across 13 buildings.
4 Wairere Falls - after your ride, return to enjoy the Falls. The return walk to the base of the Falls takes about an hour and a half along a well-maintained track. Please note the track isn't suitable for bikes.
5 Hobbiton Movie Set - Exclusive tours recount how the beautiful Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Enjoy a Festive Feast lunch or the Evening Banquet Tour at dusk includes a feast fit for a Hobbit.
Matamata i-SITE
45 Broadway, Matamata, New Zealand
Ph: 07 888 7260
Email: info@matamataNZ.co.nz
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