Upcoming Events
Exciting and fun events are regularly happening on and near the Hauraki Rail Trail. Add to your cycle trail experience with an event of interest.
Featured Events
2024 Calendar Events
Rock and Roll Festival - Bands, Hotrods, Classic Cars and Caravans, Motorbikes, Nostalgia Fair, Hop Idol, Junkyard Fashion Show, Retro Pinup Show, Nostalgia Surf Fest. Fun for all ages.
FIND OUT MOREThe Middle-earth Halfling Marathon takes Halflings on a journey through sites and scenes from the epic trilogies including some locations previously only ventured to by wizards and never-before accessed by the public. Participants will roam through the picturesque village of Hobbiton, through Gandalf’s Cutting, past the Sackville™ Orchard and up to Bag End before weaving down to Bagshot Row and past the sparkling lakefront. If time allows, a stop for a brief refreshment at The Green Dragon™ Inn before the final leg of the adventure to the finish line across from The Shire’s Rest™.
FIND OUT MOREHauraki Bike Fest 2024 - POSTPONED - Location: Hauraki Rail Trail
Plan to ride the inaugural Hauraki Bike Fest this autumn, and have a day to remember on the Hauraki Rail Trail. Bookings are open, with seven specially curated Trail Experiences, each showcasing stunning scenery, local delights and hospitality. The rides cater for all ages and abilities, so choose the ride that best suits you. The Hauraki Bike Fest will be held on Saturday 6 April at the Paeroa Maritime Park, and Sunday 7 April at the Bay View Hotel in Kaiaua.
FIND OUT MOREFollow winding tracks through spectacular scenery and amazing views. Explore our backyard and learn about our local history. Hike across hills, discover pools and waterfalls, get a bit of exercise and enjoy our local bush and beach.
From an hour’s walk to full day tramps, there’s something for everyone and every fitness level. Please note Registration is required.
FIND OUT MOREThe Nugget Multi-Sport Festival (Waihi) – Ride, paddle, run, mountain-bike - Location: Cornish Pumphouse
Waihi - New Zealand’s Heart of Gold is the unique setting for the Nugget Multisport Festival. Choose from the Full Nugget Multisport Race, Half Nugget Duathlon, or the 23 km Adventure Run, 10 or 6 km Run/Walk. You’ll take an unforgettable adventure from Waihi’s charming town centre out to the spectacular harbour and coast at Waihi Beach, before returning via breathtaking trails to the rim of the mighty Martha Mine and our iconic finish line under the shadow of the Cornish Pumphouse in central Waihi. Along the way you’ll ride through quiet country roads, paddle the beautiful harbour and run along remote rocky coastlines and clifftops to hidden beaches. After ‘the Hill’ you’ll mountain bike through rolling farmland and stunning single-track before your final run inside the mighty Martha Mine open pit.
FIND OUT MOREThe Big Bike Film Night (Thames) - Location: Civic Centre, 200 Mary Street, Thames 3500
The Big Bike Film Night is on a mission- bringing the best cycling short films from around the world together for you. Showcasing 2.5 hours of moving bike films that has everything a cycle-centric audience could want – action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration; the evening is unashamedly and utterly, utterly, utterly designed and devised for the two-wheel devotee!
The 2024 treasure chest of films includes:
• a visually commanding film following one rider’s colourful adventure scouring the most beautiful spots from Guatemala to Peru via Bolivia bringing together a masterpiece of breathtaking images and memories
• a documentary about a community of cyclists from Alexandra who all share a similar love and passion for their place, people and sport
• discovering how a bicycle can be much more than a bicycle, bringing change to people’s lives
• a determined father and his daughter prepare for their greatest adventure together: an ambitious ride that will push them to physical and emotional limits on a gruelling bike ride around Central Otago’s Lake Dunstan Trail
• a passionate and quirky Australian cyclist advocating to “Ride your bike, don’t just romance the idea. Ride.”
• joining 10 young people as they learn to ride a long way…. embarking on a 900km bikepacking trip from Wellington to Wānaka
• a fast-paced, fun, and feminist bike race film that finally gives a groundbreaking, nearly forgotten athletic hero her rightful place in history
• a moving movie set in Scotland, showcasing how the simple joy of riding bikes can make a big impact
• and rounding out the night, “Everesting” is a feather few cyclists have in their caps, but what happens if your cap is full? So full in fact, you think “why not do two?”
ALL in the mix!
These short films are a great reminder of why we love to ride our bike; with stories that captivate us, stories that make us think, and most importantly of all – inspiring us to get out and ride.
All celebrate the fun, adventure, and joy that cycling enables.
WIN A GREAT RIDES CYCLING HOLIDAY!
Thanks to presenting partner Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand you could WIN A GREAT RIDES CYCLING HOLIDAY for you and a friend when you buy a ticket to the Big Bike Film Night New Zealand screening.
PREVIOUS ATTENDEE’S COMMENTS:
“If you haven’t experienced the cinematic excellence of The Big Bike Film Night - then YOU MUST!!!”
“Wow! If it comes to your town do NOT miss it. Something for everyone.”
“The BBFN is always a wonderful, eclectic, wacky mix of films and I love it!”
“One of the most inspiring events of the year”
So…listen to the voice inside you; it’s telling you to go. Grab your mates, grab your tickets, GO ON… grab your bike and come along for the ride!!
Thames Heritage Festival - Location: Thames Town
A chance for engagement with crafts and artwork carried out by our ancestors and by the indigenous people of our area. This is an opportunity for us to engage in the craft work which was carried out “all in a day’s work” by our ancestors, and to appreciate the intracacies of the artwork of our local indigenous people. The crafts range from fine needlework to forging heavy metal, and there will be workshops, demonstrations, displays, and talks. This will be an excellent time for you to expose your artistic talents and make your very own “work of art”. The events will be held at our fabulous heritage sites - Thames School of Mines, The Treasury Research Centre & Archive, The Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga, Bella Street Pumphouse, The Goldmine Experience, and Thames Small Gauge Railway. For more information visit www.thamesheritage.co.nz
FIND OUT MOREGoldfest is a yearly event that runs through October in and around Waihi featuring events and activities for all ages, from the young to the young at heart. Check out the website for more information.
FIND OUT MOREAroha Cruise In - Location: Te Aroha township
Welcome to Aroha Cruise In, set in the Spa Town of Te Aroha, with the only soda water geyser in the world.
Aroha Cruise In is a classic car, motorbike, hot rod and interesting vehicle show spread throughout the streets of Te Aroha, Waikato. SH26 and roads surrounding the CBD are temporarily closed.
Come and be a part of Aroha Cruise In with a full day Swap Meet, Workshops, live bands, featuring Rehaab, family entertainment, food festival and much more make this event not to be missed!
Gates open at 7am show starts at 10am-3pm.
Trail Trilogy has been cancelled following a Department of Conservation announcement that the Kauri disease pathogen has been found in the Kaimai Ranges. The event passes through DoC managed land in the Karangahake/Waikino area, for which a Concession is required. As DoC continue their investigations, there is a high degree of risk that access to these areas for events will be unavailable. All 2023 entries will be rolled over to the next event, which will be held on Sunday, September 8th, 2024
6 towns, 5 start lines, 1 finish line, 140km off road, and 1 day of flat out fun if you’re ready to take part in the 2024 Trail Trilogy. With something for everyone, this super event takes place on the Hauraki Rail Trail on Sunday 10 September 2024. There are five events, a 9k fun run, Half Marathon, Marathon, 55k Intro Ultra, and 100k Ultra Marathon, which utilise the entire length of the rail trail.
FIND OUT MOREArt Waikino - Location: Waikino Victoria Hall
Art Exhibition to raise funds for the historic village community hall. ARTwaikino is a well established art exhibition on The Coromandel.
All artwork is for sale and includes: paintings, craft, photography and sculpture.
Open Labour Weekend Saturday to Monday 10am to 4pm.
Gold coin donation to enter and all proceeds go to the upkeep of the community hall.
Steampunk The Thames - Location: Throughout Thames
The annual steampunk festival of the arcane and thaumaturgic arts will crank up a head of steam with an action packed, fun filled weekend of high energy hoopla for grownups and young people alike. 2024 Dates TBA - Steampunk The Thames rocks our region’s biggest town, attracting people from all over New Zealand, as well as steampunk enthusiasts from further afield.
The festival programme includes a pumphouse party, high tea, cocktail soiree and burlesque show, as well as exhibitions and markets. Many events are family-friendly and free, including Unplugged Sunday with “Punk my Pet” and tea pot racing (and other crazy fun).
Check out the programme on their website. The festival’s grown so popular, so quickly, that events are added each year to keep up with demand.
Likewise, there are more and more steampunk events happening in Thames outside the main festival period.
Steampunk combines creativity, Victoriana, and reimagined technology. It’s fantasy, it’s fun (with a capital F) and the outfits are outrageous (and seriously creative and ingenious).
The Coromandel’s known for its local arts and crafts, and with Thames’ goldmining history, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate this raucous blend of history, technology and creativity.
Come enjoy a great day out with delicious food, live music and fun activities for the whole family. 2024 dates TBC - The Waihi Veg Fest is back for its 7th year at the Waihi Academy!
Mark your calendars and come enjoy a great day out in Waihi with lots of delicious vegetarian & vegan food, live performances and fun activities for the whole family.
Admission is free, so spread the word and round up your friends and whānau because we’d love see you all again!
Dogs on leashes are very welcome.
Run by the Whangamata Surf Life Saving Club, Whanga Week is a fun filled week created by our Club Patron; Richard Scelly. It is a fundraising initiative that raises money for our Surf Club, and brings our community together through fun activities. Activities include 10km Run, Summer Festival Market Day in the park, Miss Whangamata, Classic Harbour Swim, Pub to Club Run, Whanga Fun Walk, Miracle Mile Beach Run, Surfboat Spectacular.
FIND OUT MOREThe Keltic Fair is one of New Zealands most successful fairs and the highlight of the Coromandel holiday season.
Over 300 stalls
Arts and Crafts
Yummy Food
Entertainment all day around
A full day of entertainment, kids rides, yummy food and a world of arts, crafts and great value fair shopping!
Entry $2 per person over 5 years old, all gate proceeds go to the Coromandel Area School.