JollyBikes: The Great Hauraki Rail Trail Tour

96 Richmond St, Thames

07 867 9026

VISIT WEBSITE


PRICE: E-Bike: NZ$ 1,950 pp, Standard Bike: NZ$ 1,850 pp, Children up to 12 years NZ$ 1,650 pp


Day 1: Begin you tour at the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre and follow the trail as it skirts around the Firth, along stop banks for much of the way, expansive views of coastal wetlands, verdant farmland, and the volcanic Coromandel Ranges provide a dramatic backdrop. Stop at the Bugger Cafe for lunch before continuing to Thames. Stay Thames. 

Day 2: Ride through our beautiful countryside passing small rural communities enjoying the back-country Kiwi experience. Follow the old railway line out of Thames town and through lush farmland with memorable views across the Hauraki Plains and forested Kaimai Ranges, enjoying lunch at the award winning Matatoki Cheese Barn. Ride on to the historic town of Paeroa. Stay Paeroa.

Day 3: Ride the most popular section of the Rail Trail following the Ohinemuri River through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge, a deep canyon cut through the Southern Coromandel Ranges. This distinctly different landscape includes the cascading Owharoa waterfall, photogenic gold mining sites, an amazing 1100-metre long railway tunnel and freaky Windows Walkway that burrows through a shadowy side-gorge. Enjoy lunch at the award winning Falls Retreat Restaurant before riding on to Waihi. Stay in Waihi.

Day 4: Ride back to Paeroa through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge which gives you another chance to stop at the many breathtaking spots, enjoying lunch at the historic Waikino Station Cafe along the way. From Paeroa you head then on to Te Aroha, it’s an easy journey down to the township of Te Aroha. Te Aroha is a small and rural town and its historic mineral spas are a great way to soothe pedal-weary muscles. Shuttle Te Aroha to Thames, departing 4pm.

Includes: Helmets, locks, lunch at the Bugger Cafe, Matatoki Cheese Barn, The Falls Retreat and Waikino Station Cafe, all accommodation (shared twin), luggage transfers, shuttle back to Thames.

Duration:

Day 1: 6-7 hours (incl. lunch stop), 42 km

Day 2: 4-5 hours (incl. lunch stop), 34 km

Day 3: 6-7 hours (incl. walks/attractions), 24 km

Day 4: 6-7 hours, 47 km

Fitness level: Moderate (long hours in the saddle)

Group size: Min. 2 people

 

Optional: Gold Discovery Centre, Kayak Tour, Te Aroha Mineral Spas

E-Bike: NZ$ 1,699 pp, Standard Bike: NZ$ 1,599 pp