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.
Photo: Shorebird Coast wetlands - Thames 50+ e-Bike Group
Upgraded Stop-banks and Future Improvements
The closure was essential to allow Waikato Regional Council to upgrade the stop-banks as part of the Crown Infrastructure-funded flood protection works.
While the surface may be a little rough in places, we intentionally didn’t resurface the entire section at this time due to planned future works on the floodgates.
The Trail is now passable and ready for use, however for safety, we encourage riders to take extra care on the more rustic terrain parts, and think of it as part of the adventure.
Once the floodgate work is complete, we’ll look to resurface fully.
Photo: Thames 50+ e-Bike Group - the new bird hide at the Wetland restoration area
A Warm Welcome from Local Businesses
The Trail’s reopening is cause for celebration not only for riders but also for the local businesses that have faced challenges during the closure.
Now they’re ready to welcome you back with open arms, eager to share the beauty and hospitality of the region once again.
Stay Updated on Trail Conditions
As always, we encourage riders to check our website daily for any updates that may affect Trail access.
A detour remains in place between Pipiroa and Waitakaruru, but this reopening now enables riders to enjoy uninterrupted riding from Kaiaua to Thames and beyond.
A huge thank you to all those who’ve supported the Hauraki Rail Trail and worked tirelessly to make this reopening possible.
Grab your bike, embrace the journey, and experience the joy of this stunning section of the Trail once more.
The Hauraki Rail Trail team and Thames 50+ e-Bike Group ride from Kopu to Pipiroa
The team at Hauraki Rail Trail were thrilled to ride the 12km between Kopu and Pipiroa with the Thames 50+ e-Bike Group this week.
Photo: Thames 50+ e-Bike Group - a stop at the new bird hide
The 28 strong group were all very excited to be back on the Trail again.
They were warmly welcomed at the Bugger Café at Pipiroa, which has been isolated on the Trail since the closure of the stop-banks.
The group was particularly thrilled to see the new bird-hide that has been installed by Pūkorokoro-Miranda Shorebird Centre at the Wetland Restoration Area.
Photo: Thames 50+ e-Bike Group - hiding from the shorebirds
The reopening of this section of Trail allows riders to reconnect to Kaiaua in the north through to Thames.
A temporary track has been put in place at the foot of the stop-bank to allow riders to pass between Pipiroa and Waitakaruru while Waikato Regional Council works are still ongoing.
Photo: Thames 50+ e-Bike Group - checking out the trail
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