Hauraki Rail Trail from Thames: Sections, Day Rides and Bike Hire

The Hauraki Rail Trail is a flat, easy cycle trail of around 160 km, and Thames is where two of its five sections meet: Kaiaua to Thames (55 km) and Thames to Paeroa (34 km). Both are Grade 1, the easiest grade on the New Zealand Cycle Trail. With bike hire and shuttles in town, Thames is one of the easiest places to start.

What are the sections of the Hauraki Rail Trail?

Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail, splits the trail into five sections. Ride times assume an easy pace.

The two Thames sections are the first two rows. Ngā Haerenga calls the Karangahake Gorge section between Paeroa and Waihi the most popular, for its gold mining relics and 1,100 m railway tunnel.

Thames to Paeroa: what is the ride like?

This 34 km section follows the old railway line out of Thames and across farmland, with the Coromandel Ranges alongside to the east. The official start is south of town, but the 34 km figure includes the spur between Thames and Kopu.

• Stops along the way: the Cheese Barn at Matatoki, The Coach House at Puriri and the Convenient Cow Cafe at Hikutaia.
• Near Paeroa: a short detour leads to the Historical Maritime Park, once New Zealand's most inland port.
• In Paeroa: the giant L&P bottle, antique shops, and places to eat and stay if you want to overnight.

Kaiaua to Thames: the Shorebird Coast

Named The Journey of Te Aho, after an early Māori settler, this 55 km section runs around the edge of the shallow Firth of Thames, over chenier shell banks and through wetlands of international significance. Many riders start at the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre to learn about the migratory birds before heading out.

From Miranda Holiday Park and Hot Pools, the trail follows stopbanks around the Firth, with the Coromandel Ranges as a backdrop. You can stop for refreshments at Waitakaruru, Pipiroa and Kopu. After the Kopu Bridge the trail turns north for a few kilometres into Thames, passing sculptures on the town's arts trail.

What are the best day rides from Thames?

Distances and times are from Ngā Haerenga. If you ride one way, book a shuttle back in advance.

Can you hire a bike in Thames?

Yes. Ngā Haerenga names Thames, Waihi and Paeroa as the trail's main hubs for bike hire, shuttles and luggage transfers. Casual hire is usually easy to arrange on the spot, but book ahead in peak season, December to March, and always book shuttles in advance.

In Thames, JollyBikes is a bike shop that rents standard and electric bikes, runs shuttles and offers Hauraki Rail Trail tour packages. It started in 2015 as an e-bike rental business. E-bikes are allowed on the whole trail; if you stay overnight, check that your accommodation can recharge the battery.

Is the Hauraki Rail Trail easy?

Yes. The trail is wide, flat and smooth for most of its length and suits riders of all ages, on anything from children's bikes to mountain bikes. A few things to plan for:

• Road sections and cattle grids. Take care at crossings and on short road stretches, and watch for cattle grids where wheels can get wedged.
• Sun and wind. There are long stretches with little shade, so carry a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water in summer. Wind direction can make a big difference.
• Food out of season. Some cafes run limited hours outside peak season, so carry snacks.
• Maps. Download the official map from the Hauraki Rail Trail website, or use the free Great Rides App, which works offline.
• Trail status. Check the trail website for closures and detours before you set out.

Are dogs allowed on the trail near Thames?

Only in places. Dogs are allowed between Kopu and Thames, and where the trail passes through the urban areas of Thames and Paeroa. They are not allowed on the rest of the Thames to Paeroa section. On the Kaiaua to Thames section, only gun dogs are allowed, and only during duck hunting season.

Make a weekend of it

Thames makes an easy base for two days on the trail. Compare motels and lodges in our guide to where to stay in Thames, or camp at Dickson Holiday Park, which has bike storage (see our camping guide). Refuel at the town's restaurants and cafes, and fill a spare day with other things to do in Thames.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Hauraki Rail Trail?

The whole trail is around 160 km, split into five sections between Kaiaua, Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, Te Aroha and Matamata. Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail, says it can be ridden in three to five days, and every section works as a day ride.

Which part of the Hauraki Rail Trail starts in Thames?

Two sections meet in Thames. Kaiaua to Thames is 55 km around the Firth of Thames, and Thames to Paeroa is 34 km south across the Hauraki Plains. Both are Grade 1, the easiest grade.

Is the Hauraki Rail Trail easy?

Yes. It is wide, flat and smooth for most of the way and suits riders of all ages. Take care on the short road sections, at crossings and at cattle grids, where wheels can get wedged.

Can I hire a bike in Thames?

Yes. Thames is one of the trail's main hubs for bike hire and shuttles. JollyBikes in Thames rents standard and electric bikes and runs shuttles and Hauraki Rail Trail tours. Book ahead from December to March.

Can I take my dog on the Hauraki Rail Trail from Thames?

Only on parts of it. Dogs are allowed between Kopu and Thames, and in the urban areas of Thames and Paeroa, but not on the rest of the Thames to Paeroa section. On Kaiaua to Thames, gun dogs are allowed only in duck hunting season.

What is the best short ride from Thames?

Thames to Matatoki and back is 22 km and takes 2 to 3 hours, with the cheese factory and its farm park as the turnaround. For a longer half day, Thames to Pipiroa and back is 44 km, about 4 hours, with Bugger Cafe at the far end.

Sources: Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail, Hauraki Rail Trail; Hauraki Rail Trail; JollyBikes. Checked 14 October 2026.