Section C:
Paeroa to Waihi
PAEROA WEATHER
Distance: 24 km (2-3 hours one way)
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. There are a number of cottages to rent dotted around the Gorge and you'll find great food and award winning Gin at the Waikino Hotel.
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.
- Overflow parking is available at Cornes Paddock, County Road.
- 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. Please remember to wear a headlamp on your helmet, slow down, and share with care.
- 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
- Visit the Bullswool Farm Heritage Park for an authentic taste of Kiwi farm life, and one of New Zealand's most iconic rural experiences
- 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
Ruru PurePod
Experience Pure Unfiltered Nature in your own isolated slice of paradise.
Trailblazer Studios - Waihi
Enquire direct for costs
Trailblazer Studios is a newly built, central accommodation located in the heart of Waihi.
Shunters Cottage
Enquire direct for costs
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
Enquire direct for costs
Pedlars Motel is situated right on the edge of the Hauraki Rail Trail in the heart of Paeroa.
Crown Ridge Miners Cottage
Enquire direct for costs (Sleeps 2 – 4 people)
Crown Ridge Miners Cottage is nestled amongst bush in Karangahake Gorge with amazing views, and exuding history everywhere you look. Come and enjoy the ambience of a bygone era with a modern twist. If you are looking for peace, tranquillity and privacy look no further.
Orokawa Bay Retreat
Orokawa Bay Retreat is a hilltop sanctuary with panoramic views across the ocean. The Retreat accommodates up to eight adults, and has four rooms, each with an ensuite.
Paeroa RV Centre
Located in Paeroa, the hub of the Hauraki Rail Trail, the quiet and spacious Paeroa RV Centre offers easy access to Sections B, C and D of the Trail.
Motorhome Camping Options - Section C
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.
Hauraki Experience
Hauraki Experience accommodation is a homely space, nestled on a lovely two-acre property on the sunny side of the Ohinemuri River. The artist-inspired home will set you at ease with its charm, and is the perfect environment to wind down and relax.
Waihi Camp & Cabins
Located just 5 minutes from Waihi town centre, set in a relaxing rural setting on the banks of the Waitete stream, Waihi Camp & Cabins offers plenty of space to walk and explore in a family-focused campground.
Goldmine Motel - Waihi
Located in a quiet off-road setting with easy access to the Hauraki Rail Trail..
The Falls Retreat
Enquire direct for costs
Reconnect with food, nature and each other.
Paeroa Motel
Enquire direct for costs
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.
Providence Pantry - Paeroa
Providence Pantry is a gorgeous European style Deli, offering a wonderful range of fresh made foods.
Waihi Memorial RSA
Waihi Memorial RSA is located opposite Mitre 10 in Waihi township, and located just over 1km from the Hauraki Rail Trail terminus at the Goldfields Railway Station
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..
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.
Paeroa Information Hub
They do it all at the Hub! Centrally located on the Rail Trail for all your cycling and accommodation needs.
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 the park, jump on a boat and cruise the river to Paeroa
Waihi Gold Discovery Centre
Rattle the drill, crank the handles, push the plunger and become immersed in interactive activities at the Waihi Gold Experience.
Fee & Mands on Willoughby
Fee & Mands on Willoughby is a bespoke Homewares and Décor store in the heart of Paeroa, next to the Refinery Café.
Buildlink Paeroa
Your local 4th generation hardware, timber and building supplies store.
Bullswool Farm Heritage Park
Just a short drive from the Hauraki Rail Trail, Bullswool Farm Heritage Park has a diverse and interesting array of rare breed farm animals, several working farm museums, outdoor displays, and an award-winning Native Bird Reserve.
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
Gallery
