Key Information
  • Grade One
  • 197 km
  • 1-5 Days
Distances
  • Kaiaua to Thames 55 km
  • Thames to Paeroa 34 km
  • Paeroa to Waihi 24 km
  • Paeroa to Te Aroha 23 km
  • Te Aroha - Matamata 37 km
Need to know
  • Dogs on leads are permitted in the gorge area and between Kopu and Thames ONLY
  • Start in Waihi, Paeroa, Thames, Te Aroha, Matamata
  • Check the latest Trail Status

Get on your bike and take it easy, to places where journeys begin. The 197 km trail showcases some of the best scenery and is one of the easiest cycle trails in New Zealand. Accessible from the trail towns of Kaiaua, Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, Waikino, Karangahake Gorge, Te Aroha and Matamata the Hauraki Rail Trail is an easy Grade One family-friendly ride.

About the trail

The Hauraki Rail Trail is one of the easiest Great Rides in Aotearoa New Zealand. Perfect for those looking to enjoy our temperate climate and eager to indulge in The Coromandel's homegrown cuisine. Cycle between heritage towns and through the Karangahake Gorge, pausing to sample organic cheese and ice cream, wood-fired pizza and boutique wines.

The 197km trail showcases some of the region's best scenery, and as a Grade One cycle trail, the Hauraki Rail Trail is suitable for all fitness levels and cycling skills. Accessible from Kaiaua, Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Matamata, Waihi, Waikino and the Karangahake Gorge, the Hauraki Rail Trail can be ridden in comfortable day sections, or as a multi-day adventure. With section 5 the newest section to open, the leg from Te Aroha to Matamata now sees the trail increase to 197km in length. This section will take you on a journey past goat, dairy and thoroughbred farms and on to one of New Zealand's must-see attractions, the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Marvel at the spectacle that is the Karangahake Gorge, one of the “14 wonders of New Zealand” and the gold mining relics from yesteryear. The Karangahake Gorge showcases some of New Zealand’s best scenery, rich in pioneering history.

Situated off State Highway 2 between Paeroa and Waihi, the railway line within The Karangahake Gorge was closed in 1979, allowing visitors to access the historic sites associated with gold mining.

In the early 1900s, the townships of Karangahake, Owharoa and Waikino were important mining centres with large batteries to crush and treat gold-bearing quartz from local mines. As you cycle along this scenic gorge you can feel the past all around you, with gold mining relics still scattered along the trail.

The visitor information centre at Waikino, which is housed in an old railway station, can provide you with a guide to the walks and features along the trail.

The Hauraki Rail Trail is fully serviced with supported tours, shuttle services, luggage transfers, standard and electric bike hire services, laundromats, showers and plenty of dining and accommodation options nearby.

For current trail status, temporary track closures and detours check the official Trail website or Facebook Page

The Hauraki Rail Trail, an experience that is good for your soul…