Hauraki and Waikato Trails Explorer

This itinerary will suit riders who are not super confident and looking for something fun and achievable. The days are generally around 50km in length, off-road and flat-ish. We stay in Te Aroha, and travel each day to explore another trail, so there is no packing and unpacking each day. Our accommodation is close to Te Aroha thermal pools, so we will encourage use of those during our stay to rekax tired legs.

DAY ONE: 

Travel to Te Aroha. Hot pools in the evening.
Accommodation: Te Aroha (The Nunnery)

DAY TWO:

Miranda to Thames -30km 

Starting from Miranda in the North, this section of trail follows in the footsteps of an early Māori settler, Te Aho.  As it winds around the edge of the shallow Firth of Thames over chenier shell banks, the trail passes through wetlands of International significance.  The abundance of migratory shorebirds provide a magical opportunity to learn about the area’s precious birdlife, before heading out to the hides to see them up close. 

Thames to Paeroa 34 kms (3-4 hours)

This richly historic area was once only accessible via the two rivers, Waihou and Hikutaia. Following the old railway line out of Thames township, the trail promises lush farmland and impressive views of the Hauraki Plains and forested Kaimai Ranges.  Matatoki Cheese Barn and the Convenient Cow Cafe at Hikutaia are worth a stop.  Drop into the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park, once New Zealand’s most inland port, and catch the riverboat into town.

DAY THREE: 

Te Aroha to Paeroa- 23 kms (2 hours)

Heading North, this leisurely section passes through lush Waikato farmland dotted with dairy cows and farm animals.  The Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and Mt Te Aroha (952m The Mountain of Love), and expansive views over the Hauraki Plains are a feast for the eyes. 

Paeroa to Waihi - 24 kms (3 hours)

Explore the most popular section which follows the Ohinemuri River through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge.  This distinctly different landscape features the cascading Owharoa Falls, photogenic gold mining sites, and spooky Windows Walk. Pack a headlamp for the 1100-metre long railway tunnel, and the Goldfields Railway vintage train is a Must Do.  

 Accommodation: Te Aroha (The Nunnery)

DAY FOUR: Te Awa River Ride 55 Km

Drive to Ngarauwahia.  Ride Ngarauwahia to Cambridge
Te Awa River Ride is a grade one riverside ride along the mighty Waikato River. We stop for lunch at the Hamilton Botanic Gardens with an opportunity to visit the enclosed gardens.

We then make our way to Cambridge on the "Developing trails" which should be complete by that stage.

Accommodation: Te Aroha (The Nunnery)

DAY FIVE:  Te Ara Ahi 46km.

Drive to Rotorua and ride Te Ara Ahi trail from Rotorua Central to Waikite Valley (we skip a short rough section).
Thermal Pools. Starting near Rotorua’s lakefront and dubbed Thermal by Bike, Te Ara Ahi passes four geothermal areas each with their own unique scenes and strange formations.

Drive/cycle Waikite Valley to Taupo 58km, 44 min. Wind up and accommodation in Taupo at Wairakei Resort.

DAY SIX 

We complete a "wake up loop" in taupo before heading off to our destinations.