Hauraki Rail Trail

One of New Zealand’s best kept secrets is less than a two hour drive from central Auckland. The Hauraki Rail trail is open year round and it’s an experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

You can experience for yourself the many fascinating aspects of the Hauraki Rail Trial, as there are over 80 kilometres of easy riding trails that follow the now abandoned rail system. The trail extends from Thames, via Paeroa in the Hauraki plains, through the gorge itself and out the other side in the Coromandel township of Waihi. You can also head further south at Paeroa on the western side of the Kaimai Ranges to Te Aroha.

The Hauraki Rail Trail is often described as one of the most popular cycle in New Zealand and there are many reasons why. Head into the gorge and you will see part of New Zealand’s mining history via the many walking tracks in the area. From the Karangahake Reserve parking lot, cross the swing bridge and begin your exploration.

The now closed Talisman Mine’s pump room is an easy walk and the massive underground ground cavern that once housed it is easily one of the more impressive engineering feats of the time. Nearby is the Victoria Battery, evidently name for a rock that looked like Queen Victoria, so they say! The battery was used to crush ore into the consistency of sand. So powerful were the stampers involved that they could be heard as far away as Waihi.

On the trial itself is the brick lined rail tunnel that enabled trains to be connected from Waikato to the Bay of Plenty. It’s one of New Zealand’s longest rail tunnels at 1100 metres long. You can walk it or cycle it, with or without a torch – although its more exciting in the dark, there are lights periodically spaced along the tunnel in case you forget to bring your own source of light. It can also get quite cold in the tunnel at times so pack a sweater as it takes a while to navigate the entire length on foot.

Whether you are cycling the length of the Hauraki Rail Trail or walking the many short walks from the Karangahake Gorge car park, you will experience one similar thing – the beautiful New Zealand scenery. It’s well worth the time and well worth finding the right place to stay.

Head along to the Pedlar’s Motel booking page and see what space we have available for your next journey along the Hauraki Rail Trail.

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Hauraki Rail Trail