Tour 6 - Waikato Splash
3 Day Unique Biking Adventure
Discover a different side of the Hauraki Rail Trail with our Waikato Splash tour, a delightful journey embracing the wet element. Perfect for all riders, this adventure spans three days of scenic exploration along the renowned Hauraki Rail Trail.
Day 1 - Thames to Paeroa: Countryside Bliss
Embark on your wet adventure from Thames, cycling through the picturesque Hauraki countryside on the Hauraki Rail Trail. Glide towards Paeroa, known for its antique shops, with a refreshing stop at the Matatoki Cheese Barn for a complimentary hot drink and meal. Interact with farm animals and enjoy a visit to the tidal Waihou River, exploring the Maritime Museum and picnicking by the river. Depending on tides and availability, a river cruise on restored passenger boats might be on the agenda, enhancing your unique biking experience.
Day 2 - Karangahake Gorge Exploration: Bridges and Waterfalls
Experience the famous Karangahake Gorge, weaving through bridges, mining sites, and historic train tunnels. Briefly pause at the iconic Owharoa Waterfalls, then recharge with coffee at Waikino Station. Continue your ride to Waihi or back to Paeroa, with a shuttle ready to pick you up and return you to your Paeroa accommodation.
Day 3 - Farm to Spa: Paeroa to Te Aroha
Cycle from Paeroa through scenic farmland to Te Aroha, an enchanting old Spa town with a rich history. Indulge in a soak in the thermal pools to relax your muscles before a shuttle takes you back to Thames. Optionally, extend your stay for another night, riding on to Matamata the next day for additional water adventures (available on request). Your car remains in secure parking until a shuttle brings you and your bikes back to Thames.
Duration: Day 1: 4-5 hours (incl. lunch stop), 34 km, Day 2: 6-7 hours (incl. walks/attractions), 24 km, Day 3: 4-5 hours (incl. attractions) 23 kms
Fitness Level: Low to moderate (slight uphill towards Waihi)
Trail Condition: Easy straight Gravel Trail
Group Size: Min. 2 people
Recommendations:
We recommend doing the tour on an Electric Bike. We will fit you on the bikes before you leave the shop. Full instructions will be given on how to use an e-bike and there is an opportunity to try one in case you are unsure about how to ride them or if you want to use an E-Bike. Standard bikes such as mountain bikes are also available to use.Included Services:
Bike hire incl. instructions
Helmet, Lock & Bike Bag Hire
Map and travel tips
Meal voucher for Matatoki Cheese Barn
Meal voucher for lunch in Paeroa or at Waikino Station Cafe
Two nights' overnight accommodation in Paeroa
River Cruise
Spa and/or Kayak experience
Luggage Transfers
Shuttle from Te Aroha to Thames at 4 pm on day 3
Panniers
Optional:
Price with tour guide on request $250.00 per day.
Pre- or post-tour accommodation is available at $200 per night when booked alongside your tour reservation
Mineral Spa Pools Te Aroha from NZ$45 pp
Kayak Tour of Te Aroha from $75 per person
Due to the high variability of this adventure, we prioritize your desired dates, customize your tour, and then provide you with a personalized quote. Immerse yourself in the Waikato Splash experience - contact us to plan your unique biking escapade!
*Get a 5% discount on your tour when you pay in full at least 2 months before the booking date.
Our tour pricing is based on a minimum of two people, with discounts available for larger groups. Additionally, JollyBikes ensures customer satisfaction with our price matching guarantee against comparable tours from competitors.
Rental Terms and Conditions
Minimum age for renting e-bikes is 18 years and experience with cycling, however children under 18 maybe able to use the e-bikes provided they meet the minimum rider size for the bike. Adult guidance is required for children under 18.
Half day: 4 hours in total, no reservations possible in advance (bike hire only).
Monday - Friday hires must be returned before 1:30pm. Saturdays hires must be returned before 1:30pm. Not possible on Sundays.
Optional accidental damage insurance: Standard bikes incur a fee of $10 per day, while e-bikes are subject to a $15 per day charge.
Surcharge for usage on mountain bike tracks: 50% of standard price (due to more intensive cleaning requirements and higher wear and tear).
One way hire (on request) only to Paeroa $100 per bike; any other location a relocation fee of $100 - $205 applies.
Discount for rentals: 4+ days: 15% off total price
Public holiday surcharge extra $30 per booking
Bike availability may vary.