6 Hauraki Rail Trail Towns You Can't Miss

Last Updated: 3 September, 2022

Things to Do Along the Hauraki Rail Trail

By now, you’ve probably figured out that the Hauraki Rail Trail is a scenic 160km (99-mile) 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 a terrific place to watch wading birds in the Firth of Thames. Stop by the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre for spectacular bird watching, or, if your muscles are aching already, go and relax at the Miranda Hot Springs. Find out more about these attractions in our 5 Fun Things to Do in Ngatea.

Location: Around 10km (6 miles) 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. The town is rich in history with heritage buildings decorating the streets. Learn more about the history at the Thames School of Mines Museum, or enjoy more of the great outdoors along the Thames Coastal Walkway. 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 7 Best Things to Do in Thames.

Location: 55km (34 miles) 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 to the stunning Karangahake Gorge. This river gorge combines majestic scenery with old mining machinery, tunnels and bridges. You’ll also see signs for Bullswool Farm Park – a working farm attraction with a golf and kauri museum, sheep shed displays and a native bird reserve. Find out more about the farm park on Viator and Tripadvisor. Plus, check out more activities in the area in 5 Fun Things to Do in Paeroa.

Location: 34km (21 miles) 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 Waihi, which used to crush more than 800 tonnes of gold-bearing stone per day. Once in Waihi, don’t miss the opportunity to wander around the impressive Martha Mine Pit with a walkway spanning around the 4km (2.5-mile) perimeter. 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: 24km (15 miles) from Paeroa

5. Te Aroha

Another section of the Hauraki Rail Trail from Paeroa takes riders to the historic spa town of Te Aroha. The town sits at the bottom of Mt Te Aroha, which is worth hiking up to enjoy incredible views over the Waikato region. Or do the complete opposite of hiking by relaxing in the Te Aroha Mineral Spas. Get more inspiration on what to do here in 6 Fun Things to Do in Te Aroha.

Location: 23km (14 miles) 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 11 Things to Do in Matamata (That Doesn’t Involve Hobbits). For instance, make the side trip before entering Matamata to Wairere Falls, the North Island’s highest waterfall, or visit the museum and gardens of the Firth Tower.

Location: 37km (23 miles) from Te Aroha

More About the Hauraki Rail Trail

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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