6-Day Bike Tour
Hauraki Rail Trail
Join us on an awesome 6-day adventure taking on one of New Zealand's iconic cycle trails. Experience the Firth of Thames, Waikato's historic mining towns and lush farmland.
6-Day Trail: Cambridge/Matamata - Thames – Paeroa – Karangahake Gorge – Te Aroha – Matamata/ Cambridge
+ Twilight Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Duration
6 Days
Ages
8+
Tour Price
From $1,475.00 per person
(Min 2ppl)
Activity Grade
Beginner
Pre Tour/ Day 1 - Day of Leisure
Pre-tour accommodation is included at either Broadway Motel, Matamata or Hidden Lake, Cambridge.
Take the opportunity to explore the Waikato from the world famous Hamilton gardens, a thrilling jetboat ride with Camjet Tours or explore the ever popular Hobbiton Movie set and Tours
**Currently the trail between Waitakaruru and Kopu is closed and isn't expected to be open until April 2024 (trail info link here). The below Itinerary doesn't include the Kaiaua section however it can be adapted to include a overnight stay to explore Thames before you set off on your adventure the following day!
Day 2 - Thames to Paeroa
(34km / 3-4 hours)
Your 4-days of biking adventure starts with a pickup from Matamata or Cambridge ( depending on your choice of pre-tour accommodation) where you will be taken to Thames where ahead of you is the 34km stage from Thames to Paeroa. Along the way the Matatoki Cheese Barn is a highlight, as is the Historical Maritime Park (once New Zealand’s most inland port).
Enjoy a light lunch on us with a cheese platter.
Paeroa is home to the iconic Kiwi softdrink ‘L&P’ as well as many antiques and collectables shops. Enjoy a 2-night stay at the comfortable Pedlars Motel next to the Ohinemuri River.
Day 3 - Paeroa to Waihi
(24 km / 3-4 hours or 6-8hours return)
The hero day on the Hauraki Rail Trail with plenty of extra activities to keep you busy.
The 24km trail follows the incredible Karangahake Gorge including the cascading Owharoa waterfall, photogenic gold mining sites, the Victoria Battery museum, and the infamous Windows Walkway which is a real must-do. Another absolute highlight is riding through an amazing 1100-metre long railway tunnel.
Enjoy a fantastic overnight stay in the modern Trailblazer Studios in Waihi or you can return to Paeroa for a second night at Pedlars Motel.
Day 4 - Waihi to Te Aroha
Waihi to Te Aroha (47km / 5-6 hours)
Ride back through the stunning, Karangahake Gorge to take in those extra sights you may have missed the day before before making your way from Paeroa to Te Aroha following the Kaimai ranges.
Paeroa to Te Aroha (23km / 2-3 hours)
If you have decided to stay two nights in Paeroa you will enjoy an easy 23km journey down to the quaint town of Te Aroha nestled at the foot of the Kaimai Range. The town is famous for its Victorian-era mineral spas, renowned for their healing properties since the 1800s.
There are some excellent walking tracks nearby, and the helpful staff at the local i-Site are happy to give you a few pointers. Accommodation is at the centrally located Te Aroha Motel.
Its time to relax and soak your muscles with a 45min spa for 2 at Te Awa Mineral Spa
Day 5 - Te Aroha to Matamata
(37km / 3-4 hours)
The final day on the Hauraki Rail Trail, a gentle 37km section which passes through fertile plains, significant horse studs, goat farms, groves of scented trees, the scenic Wairere Falls, Stanley Landing and the Firth Tower before reaching the finish line in Matamata.
Congratulations are in order – you have just completed an epic journey of almost 200kms!
Our shuttle will meet you where your adventure started in Matamata where you have time relax in your accommodation either Broadway Motel in Matamata or Hidden Lake Hotel in Cambridge before finishing with our spectacular Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour with Riverside Adventures.
Day 6 - Day of Leisure
Congratulations you have completed the Hauraki Rail Trail, its now time to take a free day to experience and enjoy some of the nearby local attractions including Hobbiton, the Blue Springs walkway, Sanctuary Mountain, Camjet, Stonehill Horse Treks etc.
Package inclusions:
5x nights accommodation (Including pre & post tour)
2x breakfast (with up to 4x breakfast depending on your chosen choice of pre/post tour accommodation)
2x 4day Hardtail mountain bike hire
All shuttle transport and baggage transfers
4 day hire of PLB, Personal Locator Beacon.
1x Pannier for the duration of your ride
Light lunch at Matatoki Cheese Barn
45 min Te Aroha mineral Spa for 2
Pricing
From $1, 475.00pp (Based on min 2 ppl)
Optional extras:
- e-Bike upgrade: $60 per day
- Additional accommodation, pre or post tour
- Waihi Goldmine Discovery Tour
- Heritage train from Waikino to Waihi
HOURS
SUMMER
October to March.
Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
CLOSED
24 December 12pm - 1pm, 26 December
WINTER - bookings recommended.
April to September.
Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
GET IN TOUCH
Riverside Adventures Waikato
Ph: 0800 287 448
Text: 0277 287 448
International: +64277 287 448
Velodrome Bike shop: 07 823 0713
