Section A:
Kaiaua to Thames


KAIAUA WEATHER

Distance: 55km (5-6 hours)

Trail Status: Notification

19 March 2024: There is a temporary trail near the cycleway route between Waitakaruru and Pipiroa of approximately 15km. Please note the days and times below. It is a temporary trail while WRC upgrade the stop-bank. The trail may be bumpy and it’s a narrow trail, so please ride single file and riders will need to dismount to let others pass. The stop-bank is an active worksite. Follow any traffic management procedures as instructed. It is imperative trail users obey the signage. To ignore signage is putting their life and the lives of others at risk, and slows the works, which means the Trail will be closed for longer. Pipiroa to Kopu remains closed.

Monday – TOTAL CLOSURE NO ACCESS
Tuesday - TOTAL CLOSURE NO ACCESS
Wednesday - TOTAL CLOSURE NO ACCESS
Thursday – Temp trail access only 7am to 7pm
Friday - Temp trail access only 7am to 7pm
Saturday - Temp trail access only 7am to 7pm
Sunday - Temp trail access only 7am to 7pm
 
DO NOT ENTER WORK ZONES OR ACCESS AREAS OUTSIDE OF TEMP TRAIL ZONE

19 March 2024: PROJECT ONE: The stop-banks between Waitakaruru and Kopu are closed. There is a temporary trail near the cycleway route between Waitakaruru and Pipiroa (see notice above for more details). The Waikato Regional Council is raising the stop-banks as part of the Shovel Ready Crown Infrastructure Works. Apologies for any interruptions to riders plans. You can find more information about the stop-banks here, and view a Map of the area on Facebook

19 March 2024: PROJECT TWO:  Note this is a different location to the above and is located between Kopu and Thames: Kōpū Marine Project works have commenced in the Kopu area. Access to the Hauraki Rail Trail will remain in place, with efforts made to minimise any impact on users. Works are due for completion in April 2024.

NB: Please be aware that parking is not available at the Miranda Holiday Park or Hot Springs unless you are staying at these facilities.  Parking is available at the Miranda bird-hide, 3kms north.

 

Fitness: All Levels

Skill: All Levels

Traffic: Light to Moderate

Grade: 1


Starting from the seaside village of Kaiaua in the North, the trail winds around the edge of the shallow Firth of Thames, over chenier shell banks and through wetlands of international importance.

At the Pūkorokoro–Miranda Shorebird Centre you can learn about the area’s precious birdlife and incredible feats of the Godwits annual migration.  Bird-hides offer the chance to view the shorebirds up close, and identify the various migratory species.

From Miranda Holiday Park and Hot Pools, the trail skirts around the Firth, following stop banks for much of the way.  Expansive views of coastal wetlands, verdant farmland, and the volcanic Coromandel Ranges provide a dramatic backdrop.  Refreshments are available in the villages of Waitakaruru, Pipiroa, Kopu and Thames.

From the Kopu Bridge the trail turns north to reach Thames.  Built on the pioneering industries of gold mining and kauri logging, it’s full of character with plenty of dining and accommodation options.  As you approach the town centre, stop and enjoy the many sculptures along the community’s Arts Trail.

Please note:

  • Phone coverage is generally good.
  • Gun dogs are permitted on this section during the duck hunting season only.  
  • All dogs are allowed between Kopu and Thames.

Have you ridden the Trail recently? We need your feedback to help us secure future funding to take the Trail from Good to Great. Please take a few minutes to complete the Survey, and be in the draw to win a Kennett Brothers Cycle Trails Book.

 


  DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAP

Highlights include:

  • Experience and learn about precious birdlife along The Shorebird Coast at the Pūkorokoro–Miranda Shorebird Centre
  • Walk to the bird hides to view the shorebirds up close
  • Expansive rural tranquility and landscapes
  • Historic Kopu Bridge and the Waihou River

Accommodation
Kaiaua to Thames


Miranda Homestead B&B

Miranda Homestead B&B

Nestled in the countryside, Miranda Homestead is the perfect place to relax after a full day ride.

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Miranda Holiday Park

Miranda Holiday Park

Enquire direct for costs

Miranda Holiday Park offers a choice of first class self-catering accommodation to suit all budgets.

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Avalon Motel

Avalon Motel

Avalon Motel is the perfect base from which to explore the Hauraki Rail Trail and Coromandel Peninsula.

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Motorhome Camping Options - Section A

Motorhome Camping Options - Section A

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.

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Dickson Holiday Park

Dickson Holiday Park

Surrounded by lush bush and birdsong, Dickson Holiday Park is located 4km north of Thames at Tararu on the Thames Coast, and is just 5km from the Trail Head of the Hauraki Rail Trail at Shortland Wharf in Thames.

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Sea Urchin Cottage

Sea Urchin Cottage

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The delightful Sea Urchin Cottage is located right on the waterfront in the village of Kaiaua. Taking in the expansive and spectacular coastal views, the characterful three bedroom cottage caters for 8 guests, comprising of two large double rooms, and 4 bunk beds. 

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Lady Bowen Bed and Breakfast

Lady Bowen Bed and Breakfast

Come and stay in the historic Lady Bowen Bed and Breakfast in Thames.

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Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre

Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre

Comfortable and inexpensive accommodation at the Shorebird Centre adjacent to the Hauraki Rail Trail.

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Tuscany on Thames Motel

Tuscany on Thames Motel

Enquire direct for costs

Tuscany On Thames is a well equipped Motel close to everything in Thames. 

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Rolleston Motel - Thames

Rolleston Motel - Thames

Enquire direct for costs

The Rolleston Motel is the top ranked Motel in Thames on Tripadvisor.

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Dine & Drink
Kaiaua to Thames


Bay View Hotel

Bay View Hotel

The Bay View Hotel is located right on the Hauraki Rail Trail, and is a perfect venue to re-fuel and quench your thirst after a day on the Trail.

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The Pink Shop - Kaiaua

The Pink Shop - Kaiaua

The Pink Shop - Kaiaua is iconic and unforgettable. Located in Kaiaua at the Trail Head, right on the Hauraki Rail Trail, the store offers a multitude of convenience and deliciousness under it's one tiny roof.

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Miranda Farm Shop, Café and Gallery

Miranda Farm Shop, Café and Gallery

We are a small café and farm shop located at the bottom of the Firth of Thames looking out at the Coromandel Peninsula. ​When you visit, factor a little extra time to enjoy regular Gallery exhibitions of New Zealand print makers, painters, ceramicists and sculptors. 

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Burton’s on Pollen Lunch Bar

Burton’s on Pollen Lunch Bar

Burton’s on Pollen Lunch Bar is a Daughter’n’Law and Mother’n’Law team, bringing you a delicious selection of food and beverages.

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Gastronomics Restaurant Café & Bar

Gastronomics Restaurant Café & Bar

The popular Gastronomics Restaurant Café & Bar in the heart of Thames is open 7 days a week

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The Wharf - Thames

The Wharf - Thames

A great Café, Coffee House & Bar and Fisheries located on the historical Shortland Wharf...

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Kaiaua Fisheries (Fish n Chips)

Kaiaua Fisheries (Fish n Chips)

Located at the northern end of the Hauraki Rail Trail on the shorebird coast...

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Kopu Cafe

Kopu Cafe

The perfect refuel stop, with a wide range of cabinet foods and all day menus. 

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Bugger Cafe - Pipiroa

Bugger Cafe - Pipiroa

Don't miss out on the Bugger Cafe, for delicious food and awesome service from friendly staff.

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See & Do
Kaiaua to Thames


Read Bros Hardware Ltd - Thames

Read Bros Hardware Ltd - Thames

With five generations and 156 years of knowledge behind us, chances are we’ll know what you’re looking for.

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Thames School of Mines

Thames School of Mines

Adults $10.00

See intriguing education buildings, classic gold rush machinery, and a vast collection of minerals

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Pūkorokoro-Miranda Shorebird Centre

Pūkorokoro-Miranda Shorebird Centre

Pūkorokoro-Miranda Shorebird center invites you to birdwatch in a fantastic coastal setting.

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