Hauraki Rail Trail

19/06/2026

Tour Aotearoa is a 3,000km bike-packing adventure from Cape Reinga to Bluff, linking together a network of cycle trails, tracks, quiet country roads, and coastal routes. It’s not a race, but a brevet, a personal challenge where riders set their own pace, aiming to complete the journey within 30 days. The route was designed by New Zealand cycling guidebook author Jonathan Kennett, with a vision to showcase the very best of Aotearoa’s landscapes and riding experiences. From remote backcountry tracks to well-loved Great Rides, it’s a true cross-section of the country, experienced one pedal stroke at a time. The 2026 event marked the 10th anniversary of Tour Aotearoa, with around 300 riders taking part in the official brevet. It is estimated however that 3-4,000 riders undertake this journey every year. We asked Jonathan to tell us about his experience on the Rail Trail, what keeps drawing him back to the brevet, and advice he would offer to those considering joining the Tour Aotearoa in future. Brothers

Each year, a unique wave of riders passes through the Hauraki Rail Trail - not just out for a day ride, but on a journey that spans the entire length of New...

19/06/2026

🚴‍♀️ WOOP WOOP... Looking for your next cycling adventure?

Our friends at Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand are inviting riders to take part in the Ride for MS 2026 fundraiser - an unforgettable five-night e-bike journey through Northland following the stunning Pou Herenga Tai - Twin Coast Cycle Trail.

From coast-to-coast scenery, cultural experiences, great company and a shared purpose, it's a wonderful way to combine a love of cycling with supporting a cause that makes a real difference to thousands of New Zealanders living with Multiple Sclerosis.

If you've enjoyed exploring the Hauraki Rail Trail and are looking for your next Great Ride adventure, this could be just the ticket.

Find out more here:
https://fundraise.msnz.org.nz/event/ride-for-ms-2026

Happy riding, and thank you for supporting the cycling community and those living with MS. 💙

16/06/2026

Tucked away in the native bush near Waikino, in the heart of the spectacular Karangahake Gorge, new Official Partner Hidden Springs Retreat offers Hauraki Rail Trail riders a truly special place to slow down and unwind. This boutique, off-grid accommodation experience combines comfort, stillness and connection to nature, just moments from Section C and the beautiful Ōhinemuri River ride. Owners Alanna and her husband created Hidden Springs as a place to reconnect and reset, and with deep family ties to the Gorge’s historic mining past, the retreat carries a story all of its own. Think outdoor baths beneath the stars, peaceful bush surrounds, and easy access to waterfalls, tunnels, cafés and one of New Zealand’s most loved cycle trails. Read our full feature to discover the story behind Hidden Springs Retreat and why it’s the perfect escape for your next Rail Trail adventure.

Tucked away in the native bush near Waikino, just moments from the Hauraki Rail Trail and the dramatic landscapes of the Karangahake Gorge, Hidden Springs...

15/06/2026

Ever dreamed of swapping the daily grind for artisan cheese, café life, and a thriving tourism business? One of the Hauraki Rail Trail’s much-loved Official Partners, The Cheese Barn at Matatoki, is on the market. Set on 30 hectares with an organic cheese factory, café, retail store, grazing land and character home, it’s a rare opportunity to take the reins of an iconic local business that has been delighting riders and visitors for more than 30 years. Think you might be the next custodian? Check out the full listing via the link below. https://www.colliers.co.nz/en-nz/properties/artisan-organic-cheese-factory-caf%C3%A9-farm/nzl-4-wainui-road-matatoki-thames-coromandel-waikato/nzl67039869

12/06/2026

Originally opened in 1928, the historic Kōpū Bridge will soon reopen to walkers and cyclists, offering a unique and nostalgic addition to the Hauraki Rail Trail experience. Once the main gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula, the 463-metre swing-span bridge was decommissioned in 2011 before being saved from demolition by a passionate local trust. After years of careful restoration by volunteers, this Category 1 Heritage site is once again accessible, complete with its iconic central wheelhouse and operational swing span. In just a few months, trail users can choose to ride the main bridge or take a nice alternative across this piece of living history, adding a memorable and meaningful moment to their journey.
https://www.haurakirailtrail.co.nz/

09/06/2026

Some of the best things on the Hauraki Rail Trail aren’t destinations at all… they’re the moments in between 🚲💛

A tunnel hidden in the Gorge.
Mining relics quietly reclaimed by nature.
Shell art along the Shorebird Coast.
Fruit hanging from a tree.
A waterfall discovered around the next corner.
Kids learning about the region’s history from a blast hole in the rock.
Wide open landscapes, marshlands, mangroves, curious cows and the little details you’d never notice from a car window.

The beauty of exploring the Trail on two wheels is the chance to slow down, look around, hop off the bike and discover more along the way. This isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about everything in between.

Next time you ride, what hidden gem will you discover? ✨
https://www.haurakirailtrail.co.nz/

05/06/2026

There’s something special about winter light on the Hauraki Rail Trail ✨

Golden leaves lingering on the trees.
Long shadows stretching across quiet pathways.
Bare branches reflected in still water.
Soft morning mist giving way to crisp blue skies and golden afternoons.

Wrap up warm, breathe in the fresh winter air and enjoy the simple pleasures of riding at this time of year. Peaceful trails, quieter towns, cosy café stops, hot chocolates, and perhaps even a well-earned mulled wine at the end of the day 🍂🚲
https://www.haurakirailtrail.co.nz/

04/06/2026

MetService New Zealand have issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of Waikato, valid from 3pm - 8pm today (Friday 5 June), and the Coromandel Peninsula valid from 5pm-9pm today. Rainfall of high intensity could cause flash flooding especially in low lying areas. Please refer to details below and postpone your ride where possible.
https://www.haurakirailtrail.co.nz/page/93660-trail-status

***update 9pm 5 June. This thunderstorm watch is what the 90s band Lighthouse call “Lifted!” (That includes Waikato and Coromandel Peninsula).

Calvin Harris said it best “ready for the weekend”. That is all, as you were ☺️***

***Update 7pm 5 June: the thunderstorms are travelling east over the northern North Island. The thunderstorm watch is now valid until 10pm, including Coromandel Peninsula.***

Our friends at MetService New Zealand have issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of Waikato, valid from 3pm - 8pm today (Friday 5 June).

Also for The Coromandel Peninsula valid from 5pm-9pm today.

Thunderstorms will be accompanied by heavy rain of 10-25mm/h and wind gusts of 100km. There is a moderate risk of heavy downpours of 25/40mm/h with or without thunderstorms.

Rainfall of this intensity could cause flash flooding especially in low lying areas.

🍁 Clear gutters of leaves
🛝 secure backyard play equipment and outdoor furniture
🌧️ never enter floodwaters

Get more information: www.MetService.com/warnings

03/06/2026

PLEASE HELP US...A whopping 500 trail surveys must be completed each year by our Trail users for us to access essential maintenance funding. Please help us stay on track by completing the Survey - just click or paste the link below. It's quick, confidential and you'll go in the draw to win great prizes. 🚴 ☺️ 🙏 💚
www.getsmartglobal.com/haurakirailtrail
Photo credit: Michael Watson

02/06/2026

Exciting news for Hauraki Rail Trail riders! 🚴⚡️

Thanks to Government funding through the 'Electrifying the Great Rides' initiative, 14 free-to-use Locky Dock e-bike charging stations will be installed along the Hauraki Rail Trail from Kaiaua to Matamata.

With more than 50% of Trail users now riding e-bikes, these stations will make it even easier to ride further, stay longer, and enjoy full-day or multi-day adventures with confidence.

Each station can charge up to five bikes at once and provides secure locking while charging, giving riders the freedom to stop for a coffee, explore local towns, visit attractions, or simply take a break knowing their bike is safe and charging.

Rolling out from Spring 2026, these new facilities are set to be a game changer for accessibility, comfort, and adventure on the Trail.

Read the full story and listen to Diane Drummond's interview with John Campbell on RNZ.

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve received funding for 14 Locky Dock stations as part of the ‘Electrifying the Great Rides’ fund introduced by the...