The Whole Hauraki Journey
Take on the whole trail – the 197km trail is a very achievable challenge for all levels of riders at any age and stage. It largely follows old train line routes and is a Grade 1 throughout – so no
long steep hills or technical sections but lots of beautiful and varied scenery – with plenty of
stopping opportunities to take in local sights. From the Pukorokoro shorebird centre, to
classic Waikato Dairy farmland, the stunning Karangahake Gorge, with the Windows walk,
swim hole opportunities, heritage train ride, Gold Mine Tour, beautiful mineral Spa at Te
Aroha and finishing your journey in Matamata (the home of Hobbiton). There are regular
opportunities for refreshment stops along the way.
To make the most of everything you can see and do we suggest a 5 day, 4 night tour.
Day 1
Cycle Kaiaua to Thames – 55km
Park your car at our secure site , just south of Te Aroha, collect your hire bikes (if required)
and then be shuttled to the start of the ride at Kaiaua.
Begin ride at Kaiaua (after having a photo opportunity at the giant Oystercatcher) Take in the
Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre on route, cycle along coastal stretches before reaching the
Coastal town of Thames with it’s wide range of shops, cafes and museums – a perfect
stopping point for your first night rest.
Day 2
Cycle Thames to Paeroa – 34km.
Have a leisurely start and enjoy all that Thames has to offer before starting your ride on day
2. It’s only 11km before you can stop and have your first refreshment stop of the day at the
Cheese Barn, Matatoki. Continue your ride with an additional refreshment stop at The
Convenient Cow in Hikutaia, if local history is your thing you can also do a very short detour
to take in the fascinating Maritime Museum, just North of Paeroa.
On reaching Paeroa, and once you have visited the iconic world famous giant L & P bottle!
You can enjoy the wide range of local cafes and explore the local antique shops before
enjoying a well deserved overnight stop.
Day 3.
Cycle Paeroa to Waihi – 24km.
Day 3’s cycle takes you through the stunning Karanahake Gorge – largely following the old
railway alongside the beautiful Ohinemuri River, through a nearly 1km long tunnel, and past
a wide range of Gold Mining History. Whilst it’s a relatively short cycle day there is a lot to
take in along the way including the beautiful Windows walk and once reaching Waihi you can
explore around the Martha Mine area and indeed take a tour of the mine and visit the Waihi
Gold Discovery Centre and Mine Tours – we can organise this tour if required. Stay overnight in Waihi.
Day 4
Cycle Waihi to Te Aroha – 47km
After enjoying Waihi set off back down the Gorge – although you may want to start with a ride
on the Goldfields Railway (if the train is running on the day you’re there – usually Fri – Sun)
which will shorten your days ride by 9km and give you the opportunity to see the scenery
from a different vantage point.
Whilst riding back through the Karangahake Gorge you can perhaps take in some of the things you weren’t
able to do the previous day. Once you reach Paeroa – your last opportunity for refreshments
before taking the trail to Te Aroha. Whilst there are no refreshment stops on this section of
the trail it takes in excellent views of the iconic
Mount Te Aroha and the Kaimai range.
On reaching Te Aroha you have an excellent choice of cafes, bars and restaurants – and
perhaps more importantly an opportunity for a restorative soak in the beautiful Te Aroha Mineral Spa and or a message at Domain House Beauty. You may want to stay an extra night in Te
Aroha to take in a challenging hike up Mount Te Aroha 953m for some rewarding 360 degree views or simply enjoy some of the
less challenging walks from the Domain or nearby historic Waiorongomai Valley.
Day 5
Te Aroha to Matamata – 37km.
After a leisurely start in Te Aroha you follow the very well surfaced trail to Matamata – with
excellent refreshment stop opportunities at the Old Forge Kitchen (Te Aroha West) or Cafe 77
(Manawaru). Throughout the day you will cycle just to the West of the Kaimai Range through
Dairy farmland with views of the North Islands highest waterfall – Wairere Falls. Shortly before reaching Matamata you have the opportunity to visit Firth
Tower – One of New Zealands largest Farming Museum.
On reaching Matamata, once you’ve had a well earned refreshment, we will collect you from
near the ‘Hobbit” Information centre and return you to your car at our property near Te Aroha
– you may want to stay the night in Matamata in order to visit Hobbiton for a movie set tour –
we can arrange this for you if required.
Package price includes :
Self guided tour on the Hauraki Rail Trail with opportunities for refreshment stops along the way.
Bike (as ordered) with Helmet, lights, water bottle, bike lock and day pannier bag.
Shuttle to Kaiaua, from in our secure parking near Te Aroha, to start in your and take ride and shuttle from
Matamata at end of ride back to your vehicle.
4 Nights Accommodation at Thames, Paeroa, Waihi and Te Aroha
Daily transfer of luggage between accommodations
Map and daily suggestions for activities.
Additional activities and tours can be booked as extras on request eg Goldmine Tour, Flight
Simulator at the Aviator Cafe, Goldfield Railway, Te Aroha Hot Mineral Spa, Massage at Domain House Beauty, Hobbiton.
We’re happy to adjust the suggested tour itinerary to meet your interests or requirements –
just call us on 021 065 3382., or e-mail bikinghikingshuttles@gmail.com