Section C:
Paeroa to Waihi
Distance: 24 kms (6 - 8 hours Return)
Trail Status: Notification
Fitness: All Levels
Skill: All Levels
Traffic: Light to Moderate
Grade: 1
The most popular section of the Rail Trail follows the Ohinemuri River through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge. It’s worth taking extra time to explore this deep canyon cut through the Kaimai Ranges. This distinctly different landscape includes the cascading Owharoa Falls, photogenic gold mining sites, the charmingly old-fashioned Victoria Battery Museum, and spooky Windows Walkway that burrows through a shadowy side-gorge.
The pièce de résistance is an amazing 1100-metre long railway tunnel, wobbled through with the aid of a torch or headlamp. Waikino Station has a charming railway cafe. Riders can take their bike on the vintage train for the 30-minute journey which runs between Waikino and Waihi. Time your ride to coincide with its timetable for a special experience.
We recommend you catch the train to Waihi, and ride back to indulge or stay at Falls Retreat. Get away from the hustle and bustle and relax in one of the quaint cottages, and enjoy award winning food with the Paddock to Plate experience. There’s also lots of great cafes, and Karangahake Winery Estate is tucked into the hill-side with direct access from the Trail.
With its variety of accommodation, eateries and proximity to glorious beaches, Waihi is a great base for your Hauraki adventures. This ‘Heart of Gold’ town still has the operational Martha Mine that can be visited on tours, plus the wonderfully interactive Museum known as the Gold Discovery Centre.
Please note:
- Mobile phone coverage can be patchy for parts of the Karangahake Gorge.
- Dogs on leads are permitted in the Karangahake Gorge section of the Rail Trail from Waikino Station to the old Karangahake Hall site at the northern end of the Rail Tunnel, and where the trail intersects the urban areas of Waihi and Paeroa only.
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.
Highlights include:
- Explore the dramatic bush clad Karangahake Gorge
- Immerse yourself in the rich pioneering and mining history
- Ride through the historic and spooky 1km railway tunnel and look for Glowworms
- Explore one of New Zealand’s best short walks, the Windows Walk, and along the Ohinemuri River
- Stop for a picnic at the beautiful cascade Owharoa Falls and cool off with a swim
- Experience the Goldfields Railway and hop on the vintage train for a leisurely ride from Waihi to Waikino
- Rattle the drill, crank the handles and enjoy the interactive activities at the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre, and take a Tour of the operational Martha Mine
Accommodation
Paeroa to Waihi
Trailblazer Studios - Waihi
From $145 per night
Trailblazer Studios is a newly built, central accommodation located in the heart of Waihi.
Traxx - Shunters Cottage
From $160 a couple
Shunters Cottage is an original railway cottage that comfortably sleeps 2-6 adults, right on the doorstep of the Trail.
Palm Motel Waihi
Just 500m from the Hauraki Rail Trail with secure bike storage. Relax after your ride with us.
Pedlars Motel - Paeroa
From $139 per night
Pedlars Motel is situated right on the edge of the Hauraki Rail Trail in the heart of Paeroa.
The Cottage - Waikino
A recently renovated gold mining cottage nestled in the hills above the stunning Karangahake Gorge, at the base of the Coromandel.
Sunrise BnB – Waihi Beach
Enjoy this quiet residential haven with sea views and just a 10 minute walk to the beautiful Waihi Beach.
Goldmine Motel - Waihi
Located in a quiet off-road setting with easy access to the Hauraki Rail Trail..
Waihi Beach Paradise Resort
Located just across a quiet road and onto the beautiful 9km Waihi beach.
BnB On Station Paeroa
Centrally located in Paeroa the hub of the Hauraki Rail Trail, just a 2-3 minute bike ride away offering access to three different sections of the Trail to Waihi, Thames & Te Aroha.
Casa Mexicana - Paeroa
Paeroa Motel Casa Mexicana is located on the main road into Paeora, with all you need in short walking distance.
The Refinery - Paeroa
From $99
Charming self-contained accommodation set in the grounds of the historic Gold Refinery building.
The Falls Retreat
From $180 per night
Get away from the hustle and bustle and relax in one of the Falls Retreat's quaint cottages.
Paeroa Motel
Off Peak rates available
Conveniently situated on the northern end of Paeroa, we are the ‘Park & Ride” of the Rail Trail.
Dine & Drink
Paeroa to Waihi
Waikino Station Café
Catch the Train, and enjoy a great selection of food and beverages at Waikino Station Cafe.
Ti Tree Café
Indulge yourself at the cosy and characterful Ti Tree Café. With options to dine in or take away there are plenty of delicious options to fill hungry tummies.
Banana Pepper Café
A great Café to stop and indulge when riding the Hauraki Rail Trail. Located in the centre of Waihi, there's plenty of delicious options to suit all tastes.
One3One Restaurant Cafe & Bar
Offering great all day dining just off the Hauraki Rail Trail in Paeroa
Courtyard Cafe - Paeroa
A great little Cafe on the outside but a spacious courtyard for dining within...
Subway Paeroa
A locally owned Subway just metres from the Hauraki Rail Trail in Paeroa..
L&P Cafe, Bar and Brasserie
Make the L&P Café and Bar your Paeroa pitstop with an all day menu and refreshments.
The Falls Retreat
The Falls retreat is a unique and special restaurant, function center and boutique accomodation.
The Refinery - Paeroa
Great Food and Great entertainment. Paeroa's best hidden secret!
Talisman Café and Crafts
Serving delicious food, coffee, cold drinks & ice creams in the heart of the Karangahake Gorge
Karangahake Winery Estate
Enjoy the fruits of a cycle well done by relaxing with a glass of craft wine and great food.
Waikino Hotel
Enjoy heart-warming hospitality at the Waikino Hotel Bar & Kitchen in the heart of Karangahake Gorge.
See & Do
Paeroa to Waihi
Goldfields Railway - Waikino
Travel back in time and enjoy a ride on a heritage train with Goldfields Railway. Journey between Waihi and Waikino at the eastern end of the spectacular Karangahake Gorge.
Goldfields Railway - Waihi
Travel back in time and enjoy a ride on a heritage train with Goldfields Railway.
Victoria Battery
From $5.00
Step back in time with a visit to the Victoria Battery Tram and Museum.
Historical Maritime Park
Adults from $8.00
Enjoy our park-like grounds while discovering our maritime history
Waihi Gold Discovery Centre
Rattle the drill, crank the handles, push the plunger and become immersed in interactive activities at the Waihi Gold Experience.
Whangamata Ridges Mountain Bike Park
Located just five minutes from the Whangamata Township on State Highway 25, the park offers something for everyone, from the first-time rider to experts looking to be challenged.
Katikati Arts Junction and Information Centre
Visit Katikati's home of the arts, and find information about all that Katikati has to offer.
Paeroa to Waihi
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