Tour 5 - The Ultimate Hauraki Rail Trail Tour
5 day Self-guided Complete Hauraki Rail Trail
Experience the highlights of the Hauraki Rail Trail
Day 1
Pick up your bike from the JollyBikes store in Thames. A shuttle will then take you to Waitakaruru. This is where you can begin your ride. Halfway, at the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Center, Miranda, you can learn about the bird-life in the area, and the feast of the Godwits annual migration. Bird Hides offer the chance to view the shorebirds up close and identify the various migratory species. Arriving in Kaiaua, there are the Pink Shop with snacks, and a famous, down-to-earth Fish&Chips restaurant, where you can replenish your energy levels. In Kaiaua you will be picked up again and brought back to Thames to your accommodation. When the currently closed trail section between Pipiroa and Thames will be reopened, you can start your ride in Thames, which makes it about 25 km longer, to a total of 55 km, crossing the Kopu Bridge over the river Waihou and riding along mangroves on the stop banks to Waitakaruru - up to you. Thames has a history in Gold mining and Kauri Logging, With plenty of dining and accommodation options.
Day 2
This historic area was once only accessible via the two rivers that run through, The Waihou and the Hikutaia River. The Rail trail follows the old railway out of Thames and through the Hauraki plains country, with views of the Kaimai Ranges. Have morning tea at the Matatoki Cheese Barn and then ride on to your first destination, the town of Paeroa. This was where the ‘World Famous in New Zealand’ L&P drink was founded, a kiwi icon, and not only the people of Paeroa still rever and enjoy it. You will have time to browse the many antiques shops of Paeroa, and then have an overnight stay there.
Day 3
The most popular section of the Rail Trail is through the Karangahake Gorge following the Ohinemuri River. A deep canyon cuts through the Southern Coromandel Ranges. This area has breathtaking landscapes such as the Owharoa Waterfall. Also through the gorge are many places of historic significance, like the former Karangahake mining sites, the Victoria Battery, which was erected in 1897. An exciting bit is the 1100 meter long railway tunnel which has been repurposed as a bike tunnel. There is also the option to do the famous Windows Walk, which, walking through short mining tunnels, allows you looking down a breathtaking gorge. Then, on the bike again, you get to the Waikino Station which holds a local cafe, where you can enjoy great food. Once you reach Waihi you can further look back on the history by visiting the Gold Discovery Center. There is no rush during the day, as you'll be riding back through here the next day. Overnight stay in Waihi.
Day 4
Ride back to Paeroa, back through the Karangahake Gorge which gives you another chance to stop and enjoy the view. From Paeroa, you will continue to Te Aroha, following the Rail Trail, making it an easy journey. Enjoy Lunch in The Refinery in Paeroa, a rustic and quirky cafe. On the Ride to Te Aroha you pass through sections of Waikato farmland, dotted with cows and other farm animals. Te Aroha is sitting at the foot of Mt Te Aroha (953m). The mountain gives great views over the expansive views of the Hauraki Plains. Soothe your muscles as you soak in the natural, silky mineral water that has made Te Aroha famous for over 100 years. Overnight stay in Te Aroha.
Day 5
Depart from Te Aroha at your leisure and continue down the Rail Trail through the Waikato. Passing cows and horses, as you ride on to Matamata, Home of the Middle Earth (Hobbiton). On your way over you may want to check out Cafe 77 for lunch and the Wairere Falls, the highest waterfall on the North Island. Just out of Matamata is the Firth Tower and the museum and gardens within its grounds. Then get a shuttle back to Thames to end your journey at 3:00pm.
Alternatively, stay in Matamata to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on the next day, which is located just 20 minutes outside Matamata.
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
Day 5: 4-5 hours (incl. lunch stop), 37 km
Fitness level: Moderate (long hours in the saddle)
Trail Conditions: Straight Easy Gravel Trail
Group size: Min. 2 people
Recommendations:
Check out the bird-hides in Miranda. If you get lucky you might be in for a free guided bird walk. Have a short stop at the Kopu bridge to have a look back at Thames to get a great view. While in Paeroa, Visit the L&P Cafe and the giant L&P Bottle for a photo. Check out the Windows Walkway which is in the Karangahake Gorge to enjoy the bush and to see the Gold-Mining history in the area. (Approx, 45 Minutes - 1 hour). Also have a quick stop at the Owharoa Falls to take in the beauty of the Falls. If you start early on day 4, you could reach Te Aroha around lunch time. You could take a short walk up to the Whakapipi Lookout (45 minutes one way, on the Mt Te Aroha Summit Track) to have an amazing view over the Waikato. Alternatively you can relax in a mineral spa pool (bookings essential) or walk one of the many other walk tracks around town. We can organise a Hobbiton Movie Set visit as well, situated just 20 minutes (by car or bus) outside Matamata. In that case you might want to stay overnight after you finish your ride.
Lunch recommendations:
Day 1: Pink Shop (Kaiaua), Day 2: Matatoki Cheese Barn (Matatoki), Day 3: Waikino Station Cafe (Waikino), Day 4: The Refinery (Paeroa), Day 5: Cafe 77 (between Paeroa and Matamata).
Included Services:
Bike hire incl. instructions
Helmet, Lock & Bike Bag Hire
Map and travel tips
Gold Discovery Centre entry
45 minute soak at Te Aroha Mineral Spa's
Overnight accommodation in Thames (Double/Shared twin room)
Overnight accommodation in Paeroa (Double/Shared twin room)
Overnight accommodation in Waihi (Double/Shared twin room)
Overnight accommodation in Te Aroha (Double/Shared twin room)
Luggage Transfers
Shuttle from Thames to Miranda/Kaiaua at 10.00am on day 1
Shuttle from Matamata to Thames at 3.00pm on day 5
Price:
E-Bike: NZ$ 2000 p.p.
Standard Bike: NZ$ 1650 p.p
Children up to 12 years NZ$ 1600 p.p.
*Get a 5% discount on your tour when you pay in full at least 2 months before the booking date.
Optional:
Price with tour guide on request
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
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 old. However children under 18 may be able to use the e-bikes under parental supervision. Please contact us in advance to discuss.
Half day - 4 hours bike rental.
Monday - Friday hires must be returned no later than 4:30 pm. Saturdays hires must be returned no later than 1:30 pm. Sundays hire by negociation in prior to the day.
Optional accidental damage insurance: Standard bikes incur a fee of $10 per day, while e-bikes are subject to a $20 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 - available on request in advance at an additional cost.
Discount for rentals: 4+ days: 15% off total price
Public holiday surcharge extra $30 per booking
Bike availability may vary.