The Grade One Easiest Hauraki Rail Trail is a Great Ride for all ages, fitness and abilities. Leisurely riding traces historic towns, lush farmlands, scenic coastlines and a historic railway corridor. With its gentle terrain, tour services, accommodation, and restaurants, it’s one of the most easy Great Rides in New Zealand.

The 197km Hauraki Rail Trail can be completed in 4-5 days, and comprising of five sections ranging from 23km to 55km it allows for excellent and manageable day rides.  Starting from Kaiaua in the North, the trail follows the Firth of Thames through a number of townships, the spectacular Karangahake Gorge, to Matamata in the South. 

Kaiaua - Thames, 55km - Grade 1 Easiest (5-6 hours)

Thames - Paeroa, 34km -  Grade 1 Easiest (3-4 hours)

Paeroa - Waihi, 24km - Grade 1 - 2 Easiest/Easy (3 hours)

Paeroa - Te Aroha, 23km - Grade 1 Easiest (2-3 hours)

Te Aroha - Matamata, 37km -  Grade 1 Easiest (2-4 hours) 

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All Hauraki Rail Trail related queries are to go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Due to ongoing theft at our Cycleway toilets between Te Aroha and Matamata, we have had to remove toilet paper and hand sanitiser. We recommend riders carry their own supply. 

                 Matamata-Piako                     Waikino                                           Karangahake Gorge                                    Kaiaua

Te Aroha to Matamata section E of trail which passes through fertile plains, significant horse studs, goat farms, groves of scented trees, scenic Wairere Falls, ravines, Stanley Landing and the Firth Tower. 

Reaching the township of Matamata brings the opportunity to celebrate the end of your journey with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set.  Make sure you book in advance if you want an evening experience. The gardens are beautiful in this fairytale world, and nothing beats a tipple at the Green Dragon Inn.

The region’s temperate climate provides a great all-season riding experience.  The Trail is predominantly wide and flat, with a gentle gradient, making it suitable for everything from children’s bikes and uprights, to touring bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes.  Bike hire, shuttles, luggage transfers, tours and accommodation are all available from operators based on and around the trail. Find out more about the Hauraki Rail Trail.

The Hauraki Rail Trail is a joint project between: