Hauraki Rail Trail
Image Courtesy of Hauraki Rail Trail
- Grade: Easy
- Duration: 2 days
- Total Length: 69km
- Location: Coromandel
The Hauraki Rail Trail boasts some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer and is overflowing with pioneering history. Highlights include the stunning Karangahake Gorge, a historic gold mining town and luxurious mineral spas. There are three distinct sections to the 69km Hauraki Rail Trail. The trail from Thames to Paeroa and on to Te Aroha follows a historic railway formation that runs across lush green farmland. These sections are flat which makes them very easy to cycle and the raised platform offers cyclists great views across the Hauraki Plains and to the forested Kaimai Ranges. The third section of the cycle trail runs from Paeroa to Waikino Station. The Hauraki Rail Trail through the gorge follows the Ohinemuri River and on arrival at the café at Waikino Station, cyclists can either take the vintage train on to Waihi or continue to cycle the rest of the way.
The cycle trail is in close proximity to Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, making it an easily accessible weekend activity. Estimated driving time from Auckland is about an hour and a half, from Hamilton an hour and fifteen minutes and an hour and twenty minutes from Tauranga.
You are never too far from a coffee while riding the Hauraki Rail Trail. You will find plenty of cafés and food shops at the towns of Thames, Paeroa, Waihi and Te Aroha. Mobile phone coverage is generally good, except for parts of the Karangahake Gorge where reception is patchy. Public toilets are available at regular intervals along the trail and as with any outdoor adventure, make sure to check the weather before you go and carry some warm clothes.
For more information, view the Hauraki Rail Trail page provided by NZ Cycle Trail.
Coromandel
Find out more about the Coromandel region by following the links below:
- Coromandel Accommodation
- Coromandel Attractions and Activities
- Coromandel Cuisine and Dining
- Coromandel Tours
- Coromandel Transport
- Coromandel Visitor Information
All Coromandel Accommodation can be booked online.
