6 Hauraki Rail Trail Towns You Can't Miss

Last Updated: 9 June, 2026

Things to Do Along the Hauraki Rail Trail

By now, you’ve probably figured out that the Hauraki Rail Trail is a scenic 160 km (99 mi) bike trail between Kaiaua and Matamata in the North Island that takes approximately four days to complete if cruising.

Now, you just need to figure out what there is to do along the way! With that in mind, we’ve made a quick list of the main Hauraki Rail Trail towns and the attractions that they hold.

Or use this list to figure out which towns on the Hauraki Rail Trail sound the best to you, so you can choose which section of the trail to ride!

For more advice, see our 10 Great Bike Trails on the North Island, as well as Mountain Biking in New Zealand: A Complete Guide.

1. Pukorokoro Miranda

When on the first leg of the Hauraki Rail Trail between Kaiaua and Thames, don’t miss Miranda!

Otherwise known as the Shorebird Coast, it’s the northern gateway to the trail and a terrific place to watch wading birds in the Firth of Thames.

The area is internationally recognised for its wetland habitats and thousands of migratory shorebirds, including bar-tailed godwits and red knots making their epic journeys between New Zealand and the Arctic.

Stop by the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre for spectacular bird watching from specially designed hides, or, if your muscles are aching already, go and relax at the Miranda Hot Springs. The nearby coastal trail offers peaceful cycling with expansive views across the Firth.

Find out more about these attractions in our 5 Fun Things to Do in Ngatea.

Location: Around 10 km (6 mi) into the ride from Kaiaua.

2. Thames

A popular starting point for most on the Hauraki Rail Trail, Thames is the gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula.

Often considered the heart of the Coromandel, the town combines rich gold-mining heritage with a vibrant arts and café scene. Explore this fascinating nineteenth-century gold rush history at the Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum, or enjoy more of the great outdoors along the Thames Coastal Walkway.

The historic main street is lined with boutique shops, galleries, heritage buildings and inviting cafés, making it a pleasant place to spend a few hours off the bike.

If you have more time here, make a special trip to the Kauaeranga Valley for some epic hiking trails, such as the Pinnacles Walk, or even canyoning.

Find out more about these activities and more in 10 Best Things to Do in Thames.

Location: 55 km (34 mi) from Kaiaua.

3. Paeroa

From Thames, head south toward your next vibrant town, Paeroa. After getting an obligatory photo with the giant L&P bottle, commemorating the birthplace of New Zealand’s very own soft drink, make your way through the town’s charming historic centre with its beautifully preserved heritage buildings, antique shops and cafés that celebrate the region’s gold-mining and railway history.

Then explore the stunning Karangahake Gorge. This river gorge combines majestic scenery with old mining machinery, spectacular railway tunnels, suspension bridges and historic mining relics.

You’ll also see signs for Bullswool Heritage Farm, a working farm attraction with a golf and kauri museum, sheep shed displays and a native bird reserve.

Plus, check out more activities in the area in 5 Fun Things to Do in Paeroa.

Location: 34 km (21 mi) from Thames

4. Waihi

Once through Karangahake Gorge, the mining journey continues in the town of Waihi.

See the remains of the Waikino Victoria Battery on your way into town, which used to crush more than 800 tonnes of gold-bearing stone per day.

Once in Waihi, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the impressive Martha Mine, an active open-pit operation that’s been shaping the landscape for over a century. You can view the mine from public platforms or join a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history.

The town centre itself is equally charming, with heritage buildings, cafés and art galleries worth wandering through.

If you have more time, you could see the spectacular coast at Waihi Beach.

Find out more in 10 Wonderful Things to Do in Waihi.

Location: 24 km (15 mi) from Paeroa

5. Te Aroha

Another section of the Hauraki Rail Trail from Paeroa takes riders to the charming spa town of Te Aroha, which translates to “the mountain of love”.

The town sits at the foot of the Kaimai Range, and Mt Te Aroha is worth hiking up to enjoy incredible views over the Waikato region.

Or do the complete opposite of hiking by unwinding in the mineral hot pools at Te Aroha Domain, where you’ll also find beautifully maintained gardens and elegant Edwardian-era bathhouses.

The town’s natural hot springs and heritage walking trails make it a peaceful spot to relax after a day on the trail.

Get more inspiration on what to do here in 5 Fun Things to Do in Te Aroha.

Location: 23 km (14 mi) from Paeroa

6. Matamata

The final leg of the Hauraki Trail leads to where, ironically, Hobbit adventures begin, at Hobbiton! Ok, so there’s more to do in Matamata than to visit the Lord of the Rings movie set, as we explain in 10 Things to Do in Matamata (That Doesn’t Involve Hobbits).

Beyond its famous movie set, this peaceful rural town offers a relaxed charm with cosy cafés, boutique shops and heritage attractions like the Firth Tower museum and gardens.

The surrounding countryside is perfect for cycling detours off the main trail, with quiet roads winding through rolling pastures and scenic views of the Kaimai Range.

For instance, make the side trip before entering Matamata to Wairere Falls, the North Island’s highest waterfall. The Wairere Falls Track is temporarily closed. Updates can be found on the Department of Conservation website.

Location: 37 km (23 mi) from Te Aroha

More About the Hauraki Rail Trail

That’s it for our guide to the Hauraki Rail Trail towns; for more information about exploring the Coromandel Peninsula and the Waikato region, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in 50 Best Things to do in the North Island.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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