Explore the wonderfully laidback Hauraki Rail Trail, just an hour’s drive south of Auckland on a 4 day fully supported cycling tour. Cycle the flat, easy Hauraki Rail Trail between historic gold towns and ride the Miranda Shorebird Coast, internationally renowned for its migratory shorebirds. Ride through the Karangahake Gorge, featuring a 1100m tunnel and intriguing gold mining relics and enjoy a break off the bikes at the Matatoki cheese factory. Take a swim or walk at Waihi Beach, boasting 9km of stunning white sand and stand tall next to Paeroa’s giant ‘famous in NZ’ L&P bottle. Soak up the views of lush Waikato farmland under the gaze of Mt Te Aroha.
From Auckland, you'll be driven to Kaiaua where the ride begins along the Shorebird Coast, overlooking the Firth of Thames.
The trail traces one of New Zealand’s oldest railway corridors, dating back to 1898, wandering through the Hauraki Plains, before delving into the flinty Karangahake Gorge, strewn with old gold mining relics. A ride through lush Waikato farmland leads to Matamata and the end of your ride.
A day off the bike allows you some time to explore both the stunning coastline and the Gorge in more depth before our final day's ride through lush Waikato farmland leads us to the end of our journey in Matamata.
Experience the best trailside highlights, including visits to the townships of Paeroa & Te Aroha. The flexibility of the tour enables an overnight stop at the delightful Waihi Beach plus some optional excursions to places of interest along the way.
The Hauraki Rail Trail is graded introductory. The gravel trail is easy, wide and flat for most of the way. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and the tour operator suggests 2 hours of cycling per week for the three months leading up to your trip. The more time you have spent on your bike in preparation and riding on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be.
Note: This tour is available on-demand for a private group with a minimum of 10 people. Prices start from NZD 1,995.00 per person.