E-Bike: Hauraki Rail Trail & Waikato River

This morning we depart Auckland from the Greenlane Countdown Carpark.

First stop is historic Ngaruawahia, and the place where two rivers meet. The newly developed cycle trail is a joy to ride as we follow the mighty Waikato River. A highlight along the way is the iconic Perry Bridge, one of the longest walk/cycle bridges in New Zealand!

Before we start we will have bike fittings and a practice in the rotunda area; also morning tea and a toilet opportunity. Then, its off and away along the river trail. Our destination is the award-winning Hamilton Gardens; a great place for an independent lunch and an opportunity to stretch your leg muscles as you walk around the themed areas in the gardens. When we are ready we take our private transport to the Cambridge accommodation. Here you will have some leisure time to visit the Cambridge town centre.

We have an early independent dinner and then we gather together to take our transport to the start of the Kayaking adventure. We start from the Epworth camp and kayak our way down a truly beautiful section of the Waikato River to the Pokaiwhenua stream. With stunning twilight lake views, we head under the Pokaiwhenua Bridge and into the glowworm canyon.

Draped with native ferns, the canyon offers a true slice of New Zealand Beauty, and as the light fades away, the unique incandescence of the glowworms starts to shine from the surrounding walls. After a quick glass of some of New Zealand’s finest wines complemented with some tasty cheeses, we can enjoy over the warmth of a campfire, it’s back in the boats, as we drift slowly downstream using only the light from the glowworms. Viewing glowworms from a kayak on the surface of the world is a whole different experience from seeing them inside a cave, like at Waitomo.

Accommodation at the Hidden Lake Hotel, Cambridge

This morning we cycle from Cambridge to Lake Karapiro.

We have a coffee stop at the Podium Café, with amazing views over the Lake, and then travel by van to Matamata. Whilst we may be on the look-out for hobbits (I don’t think bicycles are featured in Tolkien’s books), we are also going to be cycling on the newly finished cycleway from Matamata to Te Aroha. This is a lovely easy ride past lush Waikato farmland and horse studs.

Along the way we plan to have an independent lunch at the delicious Café 77, Manawaru, nicely situated right by the trail. After lunch its off and away on our bikes to Te Aroha (The Mountain of Love). Te Aroha is a small rural town; its historic mineral spas are a great way to soothe pedal-weary muscles. There is a lovely town domain, some great walkways, quirky art and cafes. This historic town is full of interesting bits and pieces from the colonial days of New Zealand and the gold days.

As a special treat for the group we have a tour with Sculptor Adrian Worsley. He designs and constructs unique and original sculptures entirely from recycled materials in his studio/workshop in Te Aroha.

After all our activities today it will be time for 6 o’clocks and a catch up.

Accommodation at Te Aroha Motel

Today we continue on the Hauraki Rail Trail as we cycle to Paeroa and then on to Waihi. The day begins with a leisurely ride through serene country landscapes beside the Kaimai Ranges.

The trail to Paeroa is easy, through pretty Waikato countryside with curious dairy cows.

When we are ready its off to Waihi. Some say this is the most beautiful part of the Hauraki Rail Trail as it passes through the dramatic and stunning Karangahake Gorge; a deep canyon cut through the Kaimai Ranges. This distinctly different landscape includes the cascading Owharoa waterfall, photogenic gold mining sites, the charmingly old-fashioned Victoria Battery museum, and a 1.1 km long railway tunnel (it is lit but carrying a light will make it easier for you). Halfway along the trail is the Waikino Station where there’s a charming railway cafe. This is the terminus of the Goldfields Railway vintage train which runs between Waikino and Waihi.

Our goal is to have a late lunch at the Ti Tree café, Waihi. After a rest and nourishment we will walk on to Martha Mine to look at this great hole in the ground.

When we are ready we will take our private transport back to Paeroa for the night.

Late afternoon if you have the energy there will be the opportunity to get that iconic picture of you with the huge Lemon & Paeroa Bottle (very close to our accommodation).

Recommended dinner spot: One3One Restaurant (a 2 minute walk from our accommodation).

Accommodation at Pedlars Motel, Paeroa

Today we tackle the Paeroa to Thames section of the Rail Trail. Our aim is to reach Thames township, rich in pioneering and gold-mining history. Along the way we suggest you pop into The Cheese Barn café at Matatoki.

This section of the trail is through rural tranquillity with views of the Hauraki Plains and Coromandel Ranges.

Tonight we will have a farewell dinner together at Grahamstown Bar & Diner (The GBD).

Accommodation at Rolleston Motel, Thames

Today we are going to cycle from Thames to Miranda, the trail following the curve of the Firth of Thames. We should have glorious views of the water and the birds.

As we leave Thames you may like to stop and enjoy the many sculptures along the community’s Arts Trail.

We are cycling to the Miranda bird hide to play ‘spot the godwit’.

We visit the Pukorokoro-Miranda Shorebird Centre, where we will enjoy a picnic lunch and then travel back to Auckland.