We’re thrilled to announce after a three-year closure, the Hauraki Rail Trail between Kopu and Pipiroa is once again open to the public.
This much-anticipated reopening reconnects a scenic and vital 12km section of the Trail, allowing riders to travel from Thames to Kaiaua along the Shorebird Coast.
Do you love riding your bike? Would you like to learn to ride better and add a few strings to your cycling bow?
East Waikato Community Road Safety offer Free Adult Cycle Skills Courses.
The first course is due to be held in Whitianga on 30 January, with a further four sessions in a variety of towns across the region through until March.
Do you have a passion for art and some amazing ideas up your sleeve? We’re on the lookout for a talented secondary school student to design and paint an epic mural on the Hauraki Rail Trail storage container!
It’s called the Hauraki Rail Trail, but 43 kms of it, between Kopu and Kaiaua, much of it is on top of flood protection stop-banks.
The foreshore between Kopu and Waitakaruru needed to be raised, and therefore parts of the foreshore trail have been closed while the upgrade is done.
Keep a close eye on our website and Facebook for details about the re-opening. It’s going to be very very soon.
The Hauraki Rail Trail Shelter project is coming to an end with the last shelter being installed near Pipiroa this month. Now that construction is over, our efforts are focussed on completing the stories that sit within each shelter.
The Hauraki Rail Trail welcomes Olivia Robinson to the team. The new role provides sales, marketing, administrative, and operational support to the Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust. We’re thrilled to have Olivia join the Hauraki whānau, and took the opportunity to find out a little more before too much work abounds.
Community members have worked together to find a new home for three sculptures from Hetana Street Reserve in Matamata.
Earlier in May, Adrian Worsley and John Baily moved the pieces to their new homes along the Hauraki Rail Trail.
The Rotary Shelter project on the Hauraki Rail Trail started construction in 2020. Rotarians from Area 4, which included Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Morrinsville and Matamata chapters, approached the Trust with the concept of building a single shelter on the Trail. Their concept was so well received, that funding for a total of 16 shelters was approved by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and construction began.
Share with care! It's a great time of the year to get out on the network of the Hauraki Rail Trail cycleways and walkways, but please remember these are shared paths so extra care is needed at times. The Hauraki Rail Trail has a limited supply of free Bicycle Bells, which are available at a number of locations along the Trail.
This year, Game Season runs from the 4 May to 3 June 2024.
This activity predominantly affects Section A - Kaiaua to Thames and Section C - Paeroa to Waihi of the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Riders must be aware however this notice of warning is for the entire trail, and caution must be exercised at all times.
The Hauraki Rail Trail is proving to be one of our community’s most-loved and important assets. Recent economic benefit figures show that even after the terrible event of Cyclone Hale and Gabrielle early in 2023, that users of the Trail spend up large, with analysis showing a return of $31million to our local community last year.
The videography of Papamoa based, Maea Media is known for sharing stories of people, culture and communities. The Hauraki Rail Trail Trust subsequently engaged the team to produce promotional videos, celebrating the different types of users (known as Personas) that ride the Hauraki Rail Trail. Watch the first of the short films here, and learn more about the project.
We regret to inform you that the Hauraki Bike Fest 2024 due to be held on 6/7 April has been postponed.
The Hauraki Rail Trail has secured a total of $3.7m in Government and Council funding to repair and upgrade the cycle network after damage suffered in recent storms. Minor works are already underway throughout the network, with the project due for completion in 2025.
Section A Trail Status Information for surface damage and on-going projects.
AA Roadservice now covers bicycles and electric bikes for AA Members.
The Hauraki Rail Trail passes through the Kōpū Marine Precinct, which is being built with a combination of government and local funding. When complete in 2024, the new facilities will make the most of a growing marine servicing industry.
Thames Valley Deerstalkers (TVDA) has been a very strong club in the region since 1965, and currently have a membership in excess of 500 members. The more recent development of the Hauraki Rail Trail provided an opportunity to assist with installing and monitoring trap lines, to help foster the increase in native fauna in particular for everyone to enjoy.
Trees for Survival is a charitable trust which works with over 150 schools and local communities across New Zealand to grow and plant native trees along waterways and environmentally at-risk sites.
Do you love riding your bike? Would you like to learn to ride better and add a few strings to your cycling bow? East Waikato Community Road Safety offer Free Adult Cycle Skills Courses. Ten sessions in a variety of towns across the region are scheduled to run from September through until December.
We are thrilled to announce that our Chairman, Wati Ngamane received the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. The Honour was announced on 6 June for services to Māori and Tourism.
Following the flooding in June 2021, $300,000 of funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment was made available to the Hauraki Rail Trail to undertake concrete works between Waikino and Waihi along Section C of the Trail. The work was carried out across a four-month period, making the most of the settled weather.
New Zealand’s iconic cycle trails are experiencing a boom in popularity, and new research shows they are driving economic activity in the regions, as well as benefits for health and wellbeing. Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has released two reports into cycle trails and cycle tourism. The first report analyses the 22 Great Rides in the Ngā Haerenga cycle trail network. The second report provides insights into cycle tourism trends here and in Australia.
Waikato Regional Council works to move 400m of stop-bank between Pipiroa and Kopu will begin on Monday 21st March.
Concrete works are scheduled for Tuesday 15 - Friday 18 March. Please refer to Maps for detour.
Over the last 12 months, a Rotary Shelter project has been gaining traction, with Rotary Clubs from Te Aroha, Matamata, Thames, Morrinsville and Paeroa joining forces to design and build shelters on the Trail network.
The last six weeks has seen a flurry of activity, with JollyBikes Thames and the Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust competition running hot. We caught up with the happy winner, Miles Wyatt from Ararimu. Miles entered last year but didn’t win, and was determined to give it another shot. We caught up with Miles when he visited Thames to collect the bike, to hear more about his previous experience on the Hauraki Rail Trail, and the benefits his new bike will bring to future rides.
The Hauraki Rail Trail is now operating under the ORANGE level of the COVID-19 Traffic Light System.
After five long years, we have finally reached our goal and raised the funding to replace all of the remaining concrete-based cattle-stops on the Trail. An on-ground count identified over 110 cattle-stops to be replaced at a cost in excess of $200,000. Funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, matched by donations and our three District Councils has been approved to replace the remaining 50 cattle-stops over the next three to four months.
Get your sizzle on this Summer with a second opportunity to win an incredible e-Bike. Excitement is high once more as the fantastic team at JollyBikes in Thames and the Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust have donated an awesome Avanti Explorer E1 Low 32kph Metallic Blue e-Bike valued at $4,999!
The Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards are an acknowledgement of excellence in all sectors of business within the Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel Districts. The Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust is thrilled to learn that three Official Partners have been nominated for Awards.
Love riding your bike? Do your training wheels need to come off? Want to learn to ride better and add a few strings to your cycling bow? Here's a handful of sessions across the region offering a few tips and tricks, with dates for the diary. It's FREE, but booking is essential.
There are sessions available for all bikes including e-bikes, and specific dates for e-bikes only. All are Group sessions with a maximum number of 12, and so booking is essential.
The Hauraki Rail Trail will be open for riders to enjoy under Alert Level 2. Please scan the QR Codes when entering the Trail. There are now 40 across the Trail Network. In line with Government advice when exercising outside, try to record the route you took and when.
The Hauraki Rail Trail will re-open under Alert Level 3, with limitations. In order to meet the expectations of Government during Level 3, we have set up a confidential online register for anyone who is wanting to ride the Hauraki Rail Trail. All Trail users are required to register each time they walk or ride the Trail.
The Hauraki Rail Trail is CLOSED to all users. This will remain in place as long as the country remains in Level 4 Response to COVID-19. We are following the Protocols for Coromandel as the Trail passes through this region. The safety of all our visitors, friends, family and trail network of business partners, cafes, accommodation and bike service companies are all affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Let's support each other and do our best to keep family and community safe. Your personal safety is of paramount importance. This is an evolving situation, so please check back here for updates.
The great news is the notorious pot holed rough road into the Victoria Battery from the Owharoa Bridge in Waikino is going to be sealed next month. The trail section will be closed from Wednesday 1st September and scheduled to re-open Friday 1st October 2021. There will be no thoroughfare during this time.
The Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust is thrilled to learn Official Partner, Miranda Holiday Park has been nominated for the Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award. The New Zealand Tourism Awards celebrate individual and business success across the industry, and the Awards provide a benchmark for excellence.
While significant investment was received for the original Trail construction from the Ministry of Business Innovation & Enterprise, these funds don’t extend to Trail maintenance once built. With maintenance costs sitting at around $300,000 per annum it is a major focus of the Trust to ensure that resources are available, to protect and enhance the Trail and the experiences of all who use it. We sat down with the Trail’s CEO, Diane Drummond, to hear more about on-going maintenance, special projects and the importance of koha (donations).
The Falls Retreat offers perhaps one of the most memorable experiences along the Hauraki Rail Trail. For almost a decade this exceptional venue opposite the Owharoa Falls has offered visitors award winning dining and boutique accommodation options. Celebrating 10 years this year, owners Emma Walters and Brad King have decided to refocus on the core of why they started the business, and that is to create special experiences. We caught up with Emma and Brad to hear more about what's driving the changes, and what visitors can look forward to when they next visit this magical hidden gem along the Trail.
The Heat is on this Summer with an opportunity to win an e-Bike. Excitement is high as the fantastic team at JollyBikes in Thames and the Trust have donated an awesome Avanti Explorer E2 e-Bike valued at $4,699! To be eligible to win entrants must correctly answer three questions in one of the six weekly draws.
A jubilant crowd gathered on Sunday morning to celebrate the new extension to the Hauraki Rail Trail from Te Aroha to Matamata. It has taken almost 10 years to reach this milestone, and we are thrilled to have the Trail open.
Join in the Macpac XTERRA Trail Challenge Waihi. With flat and fast riverside trails, glorious climbs up Mt Karangahake and pristine native bush, few locations can compete with the Karangahake Gorge for drama, intrigue, and natural beauty. This year's event will take place on Saturday 21 November, 2020 from the Dickey Flat Adventure Camp, Waihi.
The much anticipated new Te Aroha to Matamata extension of the Hauraki Rail Trail is almost complete, and with it comes the long awaited Official Opening to celebrate this fabulous new attraction for the region. The Hauraki Rail Trail is now 160kms long reaching Kaiaua in the North, Waihi in the East and South to Matamata. The public may join us for the Dawn Blessings which will be attended by dignatories, iwi partners and the Trust.
We are currently working hard to coordinate two jobs in the Karangahake area to minimise disruption to riders. The works will run from the 12 - 22 October 2020. We will endeavour for these works to be finished by Labour Weekend, if not prior.
We LOVEHAURAKI and know you do too! Born as a response to COVID-19, LoveHauraki has made it easy to support local Hauraki businesses with their new LOVEHAURAKI website and Facebook platforms. Encouraging locals to 'put their money where their heart is', you can shop online, list your business, or list a job.
The Hauraki Rail Trail will remain open for riders to enjoy at Covid-19 Alert Level 2. Self-registration will not be required. Under Alert Level 2 we continue to have some freedom of movement, however it’s up to each one of us to keep the rest of New Zealand safe.
After years of driving past the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park en route to Auckland, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters had always wanted to visit. Earlier this month he got his wish, with a tour of the Park, and a progress update on the $1.1 million development aimed at boosting tourism in the district. Work is underway on stage one of the project, which means visitors should be able to cruise by riverboat into Paeroa this summer.
Construction has resumed on the new section of Trail between Pūkorokoro-Miranda and Kaiaua. Please be mindful this section is still very much under construction. It has been brought to our attention there are lots of cyclists riding it.
Work is now underway for stage one of the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park Wharf project which will link the Park with Paeroa. There will be detours in place whilst this work is undertaken, and construction could take up to 3 months.
At Alert Level 1, everyone can return without restriction to work, school, sports and domestic travel, and you can get together with as many people as you want. The Hauraki Rail Trail is fully open and trail services such as shuttles, bike hire, accommodation and cafes are able to operate. The Government have set out the following Golden Rules for everyone at Alert Level 1.
The Karangahake Gorge Tunnel located on Section C of the Hauraki Rail Trail will close temporarily for sealing works from the 15th June through until the 1 July.
Opening Weekend for Game Season 2020 is Saturday May 23. This activity predominantly affects Section A - Pūkorokoro-Miranda to Thames of the Hauraki Rail Trail. Riders must be aware however this notice of warning is for the entire trail, and caution must be exercised at all times.
The Hauraki Rail Trail will be open for riders to enjoy under Alert Level 2. Self-registration will no longer be required. In line with Government protocols we recommend you ride in groups of no more than 10. Under Alert Level 2 we can leave our bubbles and reconnect with friends and family. Whilst we have more freedom of movement, it’s up to each one of us to keep the rest of New Zealand safe.
Many wonderful local community initiatives got underway earlier in Autumn. We look forward to gearing back up the good work that was being done, and seeing other projects come to fruition.
As the country looks toward Covid-19 Alert Level 2, we are beginning to hear from local businesses who are open or are preparing to open. Now more than ever before, these businesses will be reliant upon domestic tourism and turning their focus to New Zealanders. We've put together a list of operators who have contacted the Hauraki Rail Trail, to inform us of their opening. This list will be updated as we receive new information, so please check back regularly and help us back your backyard.
The Hauraki Rail Trail will re-open under Alert Level 3 but with certain limitations. In order to meet the expectations of the Government during Level 3, we are setting up a confidential online register of anyone who is wanting to ride the Hauraki Rail Trail. All Trail users are required to register each time they walk or ride the Trail.
The Hauraki Rail Trail Trust is creating a Trail Enhancement Strategy to guide further investment. As part of developing this strategy we want to hear from trail users and the wider community who support the trail through businesses, services, and volunteering. We'd like to hear about where we can make improvements to make the Hauraki Rail Trail even better.
Following the Government's announcement that New Zealand's Covid-19 status has been raised to Level 4 as of 25 March 2020 the Hauraki Rail Trail network is now CLOSED until further notice. Riders can read the full explanation in this news story. We will endeavour to keep our community updated via the website and social media.
It is necessary for us to close a km section of the trail north of Stirling Street in Te Aroha, while we are undertaking privet removal and fencing. Riders can continue south, or alternatively join the trail at Mangaiti. We will advise as soon as it is open but it is likely to be for a period of two weeks starting from 23 March 2020.
Please note the upcoming trail closure located on the Kopu stopbanks for anyone planning to ride Section A of the Trail. We are currently working on a deviation and will advise of the route shortly.
Love riding your bike? Want to learn to ride better and add a few strings to your cycling bow? Here's a handful of sessions across the region offering a few tips and tricks, with dates for the diary. It's FREE, but booking is essential.
Tour Aotearoa is one of the world’s great bike-packing trips, stretching 3,000km from Cape Reinga to Bluff. This year Paeroa and Te Aroha will be going all out to welcome and support the riders.
It was all about the bikes, helmets, shuttles and fun for the Magic Team who hit the Hauraki Rail Trail this month for a weekend of Team Building.
The 27th Annual Paeroa Highland Games & Tattoo is a Must Do event, and will be held on Saturday 8th February 2020 at the Paeroa Domain. This celebration of Scottish culture is attracting interest throughout New Zealand as well as internationally.
Located in the heart of the North Island, Pureora Forest Park provides the magical backdrop for the Timber Trail, and it's only central accommodation provider, the Timber Trail Lodge. Now with the addition of a transport and bike hire business, a need has arisen for a part time Operations Manager. Could this exciting new role be you, or someone you know?
Have you always dreamed of a life by the water? Are you ready to be a trailblazer for your business? If the answer to these questions is yes, come and discover what's possible for current and future businesses along the Shorebird Coast.
As one of New Zealand’s six biodiversity hot spots, the Hauraki Coromandel is a safe haven for many threatened or at-risk species surviving in a broad range of habitats. Community conservation groups play a vital role in the preservation of the natural environment. From Moehau at the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula to Te Aroha in the south, this vast conservation project has a goal of becoming predator free by 2030.
The Aroha Cruise In is a great local event showcasing Te Aroha with a celebration of Classic cars, bikes and hot rods held in the main street of Te Aroha. The event allows local schools and groups to fundraise, and supports local business in the town.
Exciting times ahead for the Hauraki Rail Trail and region, as visitors will soon be able to cruise into Paeroa by riverboat. This is thanks to a $1.1 million development aimed at boosting tourism in the town. Stage one includes an upgrade of Wharf St in Paeroa, which will link to a purpose-built community jetty on the Ohinemuri River.
Come and watch Paeroa’s new Criterion Bridge Floodgates in action, as Regional council show off how the new floodgates on SH26 operate. Waikato Regional Council is holding an open day on 11 August from 9am-11am, to demonstrate how the mechanical gates work, and talk about why they are so important to protect the community. Built by Flood Control International in the United Kingdom, they were the biggest gates the company had ever built.
Visitors to Kaiaua will soon have a great spot to stretch their legs, skim stones, and enjoy their lunch, thanks to a Government contribution announced last weekend. $80,000 will go towards a car parking and freedom camping area at Kaiaua, from the latest round of the MBIE Tourism Infrastructure Fund. The funding will create a destination at the Kaiaua end of the new 10km Hauraki Rail Trail extension, between the township and Pūkorokoro/Miranda.
Please be advised of the forthcoming Geotech works required on Section C of the Hauraki Rail Trail between Waihi Station and Waikino on the 18th & 22nd July 2019. These works are for test drills and there will be intermittent trail closures for brief 15-20 minute slots at a time while the holes are drilled. Between test drills riders should be able to pass. We suggest riders pack a hot flask and prepare for a brief stop. Alternatively to avoid works completely riders can choose to take the train from Waihi Station to Waikino.
If you're passionate about cycling and looking for an exciting opportunity, Sport Waikato are recruiting for a Waikato Regional Cycling Education Plan Lead Advisor. This is an exciting new role which has been developed to implement the Waikato Regional Cycling Education Plan, and is a full-time position.
Sculptor Adrian Worsley designs and constructs unique and original sculptures entirely from recycled materials from his studio in Te Aroha. Adrian’s series of Bike Rack sculptures which combine functionality with art can be found prominently displayed in Te Aroha’s main street. The latest sculpture has now been installed at the Te Aroha Railway Station.
As you cross the Kopu Bridge at the gateway to the Coromandel, you’ll soon be greeted by a fantastic array of sculptures. Amongst the new artworks, visitors can look forward to a giant Jandal, and a six metre tall toy train. The enhancement of the Trail with sculpture is part of a wider ongoing initiative to bring creative expression into the public eye, and to enhance both local and visitor experiences in the region.
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 2019 Trail Trilogy. With something for everyone, this super event takes place on the Hauraki Rail Trail on Sunday 15 September 2019. 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.
The Owharoa Bridge at Waitawheta Road is now fully open for riders on Section C of the Hauraki Rail Trail.
The Owharoa Bridge at Waitawheta Road is currently closed whilst urgent repairs are undertaken. The period of closure is from 20 May - 10 June 2019. Although works will continue until 10 June, the bridge will be OPEN for the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
Join an incredible crew of guest speakers for breakfast and find out more about the Hauraki Rail Trail, starting a business on a cycle trail, and tips to make your business cycle friendly. Business Bites #3 will be an opportunity for Hauraki business owners to find out more about business support, grants, and mentoring provided by Te Waka.
ANZAC Poppies in the Park is held at the Historical Maritime Park and Museum in Paeroa from 14 - 25 April, 10am – 3pm each day. Make a day of the activities on offer, and combine with a short adventure on the Rail Trail for the whole family.
You no longer have to be an eagle-eyed visitor to see the progress being made on the Te Aroha to Matamata extension. Construction company Splice started work in January, and have been busy forming the Trail.
Exciting changes are afoot, as work begins to remove many of the old cattle-stops found along the Hauraki Rail Trail. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is supporting the trail to remedy the remaining 94 problematic cattle-stops between Kopu and Te Aroha by the end of April 2019.
Please note a diversion is scheduled on the Trail between Kopu and Pipiroa from 25 February - 25 March 2019.
Work on the Trail is heating up with two major extensions and storm damage repairs underway, making the most of summer’s great weather.
Please be advised that there will be a closure of the Owharoa Bridge at Waitawheta Road whilst urgent repairs are undertaken.
The period of closure is from 20 May - 10 June 2019.
Be in to WIN! Have you ridden the Trail recently?
A whopping 50 Stoats, 28 Rats and 31 Hedgehogs have been trapped on the Trail since June 2017. Keeping the Trail pest free is essential for the survival of our native plants and animals.
We're thrilled to get the keys to this super new Truck for the Hauraki Rail Trail.
We are launching a fun competition where you can go into a draw to win a Kennett Brothers Cycle trail book.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is responsible for protecting Kauri on public conservation land and other land it manages, including many of New Zealand’s most significant Kauri forests. Now Kauri are facing a new threat, Kauri dieback, a fungus-type disease, which is having a devastating effect on New Zealand’s Kauri forests in Northland, Great Barrier Island and, potentially, the Coromandel Peninsula. Learn about why Kauri matter, and how you can help prevent the spread of disease.
