Enjoy a 4-day cycle tour from Auckland that takes you along an old rail line to discover some stunning scenery and some North Island gems, including a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set and the sweepingly beautiful Waihi beach. This short trip is designed for the casual cyclist; it is a scenic off-road cycle trail on a disused railway route. From Thames to Waihi the path cuts through the heart of New Zealand's dairy farm region and passes through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge with a 1.1 km section of tunnel. Remains of old gold mines can be seen in the Gorge; the town of Waihi has an open cast gold mine that still operates.
The tour starts in Auckland, (pop. 1.3 m) New Zealand's largest and most cosmopolitan city. The Hauraki Rail Trail is a four-day ride that showcases some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer, rich in pioneering history. A major highlight includes riding through the stunning Karangahake Gorge, one of the “14 Wonders of New Zealand”.
Various options for riding each day are given so you can cycle as much or as little as you like. E-bikes are also available if you want to make this a truly relaxing vacation. The tour will run with a minimum of 4 cyclists so get a group together and enjoy 4 fine days of excellent cycling adventures on the North Island.