Hauraki Rail Trail – Mission Accomplished

 Read more from Catherine

I have just completed the last leg of my Hauraki rail trail journey – Paeroa to Thames. There is a little bit of uphill, but in the main the landscape is flat with gravel/dirt tracks. As with the other cycle trails, there are some cattle stocks to cross.

There are a couple of pubs and a Cheese Factory to stop at for refreshments and to take a break – a good idea, as there are no toilets on the trail itself.

Come prepared with sunhat, water bottle and sunblock as there is little shelter enroute. I did notice two spots where someone had left a chair under a tree to shelter from the summer heat, but otherwise you are fully exposed to the elements.

I diverted off the rail trail to visit the Cheese Factory for an icecream and purchased some of their organic cheese.

As you approach Thames you cycle underneath the newly finished road beside the historic Kopu Bridge. It's then a 10-15 minute cycle into Thames township.

I booked a return shuttle to Thames with Sherpa Bus. The driver was very obliging and dropped me off at my accommodation in Paeroa.

I have now completed the whole Hauraki rail trail – my favourite part would have to be the Waikino to Paeroa sector. I enjoyed cycling beside the river and reading about the history of the area. The tunnel was a highlight.

Tips

• Bring water, sunblock, hat and jacket

• Distance covered between Paeroa to Thames – 36kms

• Allow 10kmph for cycling

Shuttle from Thames to Paeroa: Cost $25.00 ($15 pp and $10 for bike)
Contact Sherpa Bus: 07 219 3233 or 029 332 6759

Next cycling mission – Rail trail in Northland!

Photos: ©2013 Catherine Stewart