Section A:
Kaiaua to Thames

KAIAUA WEATHER

Distance: 55 km (5-6 hours)

Trail Status: Notification

20 December 2024:

Pipiroa to Waitakaruru: A further 8kms of trail between Pipiroa and the Apple Tree Pumphouse is now open, making ¾ of the stop-banks between Kopu and Waitakaruru open for users to enjoy. The remaining stop-bank is still undergoing Waikato Regional Council works. A 5 kilometre long bypass is in place at the foot of the stop-bank that will need to be ridden with care. The bypass is narrow and the surface is rough. We have made the decision to hold off on improving this section until the Waikato Regional Council works are complete, so we can use the funding for a better experience once complete. We understand that this is not ideal for many, and ask for your continued patience. Please refer to our Facebook Page to view the map. Red areas marked in red within the green box are rideable, but will be resurfaced at a later date once other works are complete.
Pipiroa to Kopu: The stop-banks between Waitakaruru and Kopu are now open. Please note there are a couple of rough sections where riders may need to dismount. We are unable to resurface these sections until after Waikato Regional Council has completed the floodgate replacements. Keep an eye on this website in case of any disruptions to service.
The Waikato Regional Council is raising the stop-banks as part of the Shovel Ready Crown Infrastructure Works. You can find more information about the stop-banks here, and view a Map of the area on Facebook. Apologies for any interruptions to riders plans.

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

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

Section A:Kaiaua to Thames

Highlights include:

AccommodationKaiaua to Thames

Dine & DrinkKaiaua to Thames

See & DoKaiaua to Thames

Kaiaua to ThamesGallery

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Section A:
Kaiaua to Thames

Accommodation
Kaiaua to Thames

Dine & Drink
Kaiaua to Thames

See & Do
Kaiaua to Thames

Kaiaua to Thames
Gallery