Experience the beauty of the Hauraki Rail Trail, from the heart of the Karangahake Gorge.
What Hauraki has to offer.
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The Rail Trail
The Hauraki Rail Trail is a perfect ride for all abilities. With its gentle terrain, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding trails in New Zealand. The trail is an immersive experience that is accessible from the accommodation. Journeying through Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi and Matamata.
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Accommodation
The Nest (Te Punanga) is a homely space nestled on a lovely two-acre property on the sunny side of the Ohinemuri river. An artist-inspired home that will set you at ease with its charm. The perfect environment to wind down and rest. A fully catered experience that will leave you wanting more.
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Things to do
Located in the heart of the historic and breathtakingly beautiful Karangahake Gorge. There is an abundance of experiences at your fingertips. Many great walks to historical sites, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. And multiple attractions in nearby small towns.
The Rail Trail
The Hauraki Rail Trail is a perfect ride for all abilities. With its gentle terrain, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding trails on the North Island. The trail is an immersive experience that is easily accessible from the major cities of Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga.
Thames and Paeroa
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This richly historic area was once only accessible via the two rivers, Waihou and Hikutaia. The section of trail follows the old railway line out of Thames, through lush farmland with memorable views across the Hauraki Plains and forested Coromandel Ranges.
Ride past Paeroa's Historical Maritime Park which is New Zealand’s most inland water port. Arriving in Paeroa you will find the “World famous in New Zealand” giant L&P bottle on the main street. as well as many antiques and collectables shops. Cross the Ohinemuri River & head east to Hauraki Experience accommodation in the Karangahake Gorge. -
Distance: 41 kilometers
Duration: 3-4 hours
Karangahake and Waihi
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Riding East following the Ohinemuri River into the Karangahake Gorge. This distinctly different landscape features the cascading Owharoa Falls, boulder-strewn rivers and lush native bush. The 1100-metre long railway tunnel is a highlight as well as the several old bridges spanning the foaming water, including a wire suspension bridge. Explore the photogenic remnants and ruins of the gold mining industry, and delve into some of the former railway and mining tunnels.
The trail takes you past the charming Waikino Station, Victoria Battery, and the Goldfields Railway vintage train, through to the quaint gold-mining town of Waihi. This ‘Heart of Gold’ town still has the operational Martha Mine and has lots of mining attractions to enjoy. After a day of exploring return on the same route to the Hauraki Experience accommodation in the Karangahake Gorge. -
Distance: 28 kilometers
Duration: 3-4 hours
Te Aroha and Matamata
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Matamata is a rural town nestled at the base of the scenic Kaimai Ranges. Home of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where the beautiful Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.
Bike North-East with the prevailing wind at your back through fertile plains, significant horse studs, goat farms, scenic waterfalls, and ravines. Stop off at The Firth Tower built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth, which has commanding and extensive views.
Passing the lovely town of Te Aroha with its quirky public art and nice cafes you will bike through the surrounding lush Waikato farmland dotted with dairy cows and farm animals. The views over the Hauraki Plains, Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges, and Mt Te Aroha are a feast for the eyes. You will pass through Paeroa and back to Hauraki Experience accommodation in the Karangahake Gorge.
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Distance: 68kms
Duration: 4-6.5hrs
Accommodation
Hauraki Experience accomodation, is a homely space nestled on a lovely two-acre property on the sunny side of Ohinemuri river. An artist-inspired home that will set you at ease with its charm. The perfect environment to wind down and relax.
The perfect accommodation for groups of singles, couples or family groups of up to eight who can enjoy the whole house to themselves.
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The interiors are tastefully decorated and arranged. Inside a warm palette ties the interior together. A mixture of modern furniture and retro furnishings fill the main living spaces. Ornaments, ephemera and sculptures are specifically curated to give the space a sense of homely warmth.
A wooden spiral staircase leads guests to three bedrooms, and private bathroom space. Downstairs is the larger room with a king bed and bathroom next door.
The main living area opens up to a large outdoor dining space, a deck and a spa which both have great views across the property and the lush gardens. A perfect environment to wind down and rest on the sunny side of the river.
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Julie has worked in hospitality and catered for a large range of events over many years. She will be delighted to host and provide your evening meals, lunch & breakfast. Julie can accommodate your dietary requirements.
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Things to Do
Located in the heart of the historic and breathtakingly beautiful Karangahake Gorge. There is an abundance of experiences at your fingertips.
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Windows Walk
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 2.5 km (round trip)
Experience the historical and scenic sights that Karangahake has to offer. From exploring the mines to following the signed information trail, this walk is a great way to get to know the stories of Karangahake’s mining past. A memorable trip for the whole family to enjoy.
Download the free My Parx app for self-guided tours.Rail Tunnel Loop
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 2.5 km (round trip)
See the remains of the 19th-century rail town’s past. This walk starts at a kilometre-long rail tunnel (lights provided) and loops along the river’s edge, boasting views of the rushing Ohinemuri river and surrounding cliff faces.
Orokawa Bay Walk
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 2.5 km (round trip)
Accessible from the north end of Waihi Beach this short coastal walk offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Waihi Beach. See bays with mature pōhutukawa trees leaning over a sandy beach, and walks through the coastal forest which includes kauri.
A full day 4-hour coastal walk can be achieved by linking the short walks from Waihi Beach to Ngatitangata Road. -
Bread-making Course
BreadNZ can be found tucked away on a rural property between Waihi and Katikati. Dedicated to making real bread, in a wood-fired oven using only natural ingredients, wild yeast and traditional methods.
breadnz.com
Farm-to-Table Courses
At Falls Retreat the expert knowledge of the team on farm-to-table cooking. Whether you want to improve your cooking skills or be a better gardener you will come away from the day feeling motivated and inspired.
fallsretreat.co.nz/educate
Rahu Road Pottery Course
Potters Charade Honey and Duncan Shearer have built their own wood kiln and pottery studio on a quiet spot in the Karangahake Gorge. They offer a range of pottery courses for all abilities. Or if you want to purchase some beautiful wood-fired pottery they also have a gallery on site.
rahuroadpottery.co.nz -
Hobbiton Movie Set
In 2009, Sir Peter Jackson returned Matamata to film The Hobbit trilogy, and he left behind the beautiful movie set you’ll see today; 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit Holes, in the same fantastic detail seen in the movies.
Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Also, enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage from the world-famous Green Dragon Inn.
Fully guided walking tour around the 12 acre location available.
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Waihī Beach
One of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand. The North end of the beach near the surf club offers a place to swim safely between the flags. The 10 kilometres of pristine white sand is incredible for long walks.
25min drive from The Karangahake Gorge
Anzac Bay
A short drive or cycle down the coast from Waihī Beach, you'll find the beautiful calm waters of Bowentown and Anzac Bay. A quiet harbour cove, a perfect place for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
30 min drive from The Karangahake Gorge