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After a delicious breakfast, you will be on
your way through the flat rural pastures of the
Hauraki Plains, with the Coromandel ranges
framing your eastern outlook.
No stop in Paeroa is complete without a
selfie in front of the iconic ‘world famous in
New Zealand’ giant L&P bottle, and a browse
through the many antique shops. From
Paeroa, the southern-most section of the trail
leads to Te Aroha. The trail is easy, rural and
relaxing, with a looming profile of Mt Te Aroha,
the ‘mountain of love’, getting closer by the
kilometre. The reward of a soak in one of the
steaming mineral pools of Te Aroha provides
the ultimate motivation. Construction has
already started for the Rail Trail to continue
from here on to Matamata (of Hobbiton Movie
Set fame).
PAEROA TO WAIHI
This dramatic leg of the trail soon heads into
one of New Zealand’s top must-see locations
– the Karangahake Gorge – home to some of
the country’s most scenic walks and interesting
historical sites. The Gorge was once the site of
one of the busiest gold strikes in the country
where three large batteries worked day and
night to treat ore taken from extensive mine
networks inside Karangahake Mountain.
This part of the trail offers sights and
attractions the entire family will find fascinating.
Take a torch and cycle through the 1086m long
Karangahake Tunnel (see photo at right) - it will
thrill even the hardiest adventurer in your family.
Cycle through old mining remnants and relics
of Victoria Battery. Named after Queen Victoria,
it had 200 stampers – the largest number
at one time of any similar site in the world,
crushing an average of 800 tonnes of ore
per day – six days a week, and the country’s
largest producer of gold in the early 1900’s.
Include a stop at the Battery museum where
you can ride a tramway through the remnants,
or enjoy a unique underground tour (see photo).
Be sure to check museum open days.
Navigate your way over the steel swing bridges
and walking trails of the area. The Karangahake
Gorge by bike is arguably the best way to
experience its stunning rock, river and bush-
clad scenery.
And while it might feel a million miles from
anywhere, there are plenty of places to stop
along this stretch – unique dining venues like
the Bistro at the Falls Retreat, The Talisman
and Waikino Station Café – and if wine tasting
spins your wheels, a visit to the Karangahake
Winery and Restaurant is a must.
The stunning staircase Owharoa Falls are just a few metres off the trail, and a great picnic spot.
Paddle to the majestically sereneWhenuakura
Island, explore the awesome network of local
mountain bike trails or join us for one of
our adventure rides.
Everything is at your doorstep with our extensive
hire fleet to create your unique adventure.
KIWI OWNED & OPERATED OFFERING
AWEALTH OF LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.
Cycle, SUP & surf – it’s what we do.
Come & explore the
wonders of
Whangamata’s
Paradise Coast
700 PORT RD IN WHANGAMATA
07 865 8096
Over 25 years experience!
On Land or Sea – We’re Your Experts...
Pedal & Paddle
20 COROMANDEL LIFE LATE SPRING / HOLIDAY 2018
All aboard! Ride this vintage train with or without your bikes. The Goldfields Historic Railway runs twice daily
between Waikino and Waihi.