Section E:
Te Aroha to Matamata
TE AROHA WEATHER
Distance: 37 kms (2-4 hours)
Trail Status: Notification
Fitness: All Levels
Skill: All Levels
Traffic: Light to Moderate
Grade: 1
Journey through fertile plains, significant horse studs, goat farms, groves of scented trees, scenic waterfalls, and ravines. Keep an eye out for places of interest, such as Stanley Landing and the Firth Tower Museum. Two cafes, the Old Forge Kitchen and Cafe 77 also offer camper van parking, so you can start from many points on the Trail.
The mesmerising Wairere Falls can be found nearby the trail, and are well worth visiting after your ride. The return walk to the viewing platform at the base of the Falls takes about an hour and a half. It's an attractive and well-maintained track for walking only.
Stop off at The Firth Tower built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth, which stands on rising ground commanding extensive views. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil gardens, picnic under venerable oaks and explore the museum displays housed across 13 buildings.
A tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set recounts fascinating details of how the beautiful Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Visitors can enjoy a Festive Feast lunch or alternatively the Evening Banquet Tour at dusk includes a banquet feast fit for a Hobbit. The gardens are beautiful in this fairytale world, and nothing beats a tipple at the Green Dragon Inn.
Matamata is a rural town nestled at the base of the scenic Kaimai Ranges. It offers a range of walking options, golf courses, and an extensive selection of Cafés and Accommodation, making it a great place to unwind or stay after riding the Trail.
Please note:
- Mobile phone coverage is good.
- Dogs are not permitted on this section of the Rail Trail except where the trail intersects the urban areas of Te Aroha and Matamata.
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:
- A leisurely ride through lush Waikato farmland and horse studs
- Picnic lunches with views of the bush clad Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges
- Explore the history of the Firth Tower
- Take a short detour to experience the stunning Wairere Falls
- Look out for features of interest along the way - Waiorongomai, Kaimai Air Crash Memorial and Stanley Landing
- Arrange a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set of Lord of the Rings fame at Matamata i-SITE
Accommodation
Te Aroha to Matamata
A Place In The Paddock
Enquire direct for costs
A spacious farm house accommodation, amongst the beautiful hills of Matamata.
Tower Road Motel - Matamata
Tower Road Motel is set in a quiet, garden setting and is just a 3 minute drive to shopping and restaurants.
Motorhome Camping Options - Section E
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.
Te Aroha Accommodation Central
A selection of executive homes for rent just metres from the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Housewithnonails
Enquire direct for costs
Enjoy this truly unique accommodation experience in a beautiful handcrafted barn.
Te Aroha Holiday Park
The Te Aroha Holiday Park is a unique country camping experience in one of New Zealand’s few remaining traditional holiday parks in the Waikato.
Dine & Drink
Te Aroha to Matamata
Merchant Of Matamata
Celebrate the start (or finish) of your journey on the Hauraki Rail Trail with us.
Domain Cottage Cafe – Te Aroha
Once the gardeners residence of the Domain Estate, the Domain Cafe offers delicious food, good coffee and great service for visitors to Te Aroha.
Ironique Café & Bar
Ironique Café & Bar offer true Kiwi hospitatlity and are open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Duck & Cover Bar & Restaurant
The Duck & Cover Bar & Restaurant in the heart of Te Aroha township
Cafe 77 - Manawaru
Cafe 77, a new cafe situated right on the Hauraki Rail Trail about half way between Te Aroha and Matamata offering the perfect pit stop for cyclists...
The Old Forge Kitchen
The Old Forge is Te Aroha's newest café, restaurant and function centre. Experience fresh and authentic "paddock to plate" cuisine prepared in our state of the art kitchen.
See & Do
Te Aroha to Matamata
Te Aroha Museum
The Museum is situated in the Cadman Bath House in the middle of the Domain which has been home to the Museum since 1971.
Firth Tower Museum - Matamata
Enjoy the tranquil gardens, picnic under venerable oaks, and learn about late 1800s and early 1900s life through the museum exhibits and displays created by the Matamata Historical Society housed in 13 buildings.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Step into the enchanting village of Hobbiton Movie Set. In the heart of New Zealand, explore the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.
Swim Zone Matamata
Set in the vibrant town of Matamata just off the Hauraki Rail Trail, you can relax or play in the heated outdoor pools at Swim Zone Matamata.
Swim Zone Te Aroha
Set in a natural bush setting, Swim Zone heated pools and outdoor spa provide the perfect place to play.
Te Aroha Mineral Spas
Relax in your own private mineral spa. Soak in the natural mineral waters that flow from the majestic Mount Te Aroha.
Matamata i-site Visitor Information Centre
Visit one of New Zealand's most iconic i-site Visitor Information Centres to make all your Rail Trail bookings
Te Aroha to Matamata
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