Shorebird Coast Half Day Trips
Trip 1: Kaiaua to Waitakaruru (4 Hours Return, 34km)
Starting from the seaside village of Kaiaua, the trail winds around the edge of the shallow Firth of Thames, over compacted chenier shell banks and through wetlands of international importance teeming with birdlife.
Continuing down the trail you will come to the Pūkorokoro–Miranda Shorebird Centre with great displays of the area’s precious birdlife, the incredible Godwit migration and an opportunity to purchase a unique souvenir from your visit. Book a guided tour beforehand to maximise the experience by clicking “here”.
Further south are the Bird-hides and the Robert Findlay Wildlife Reserve - offering the chance to view multiple species of local and migratory shorebirds up close.
Continuing south through the wetlands then countryside, you will come to Waitakaruru village where you can indulge in a real fruit ice cream before heading back to Kaiaua
If time permits and in season, cycle another 10km along the country canals to Blueberry Country Orchard for everything Blueberry, or a little further to the township of Ngatea for a bit of retail therapy.
Be sure to take a short detour to Miranda Farm Shop, Cafe & Art Gallery offering a selection of fresh organic produce and a cool cafe looking out over the coast. Next door is the gallery displaying a variety of fine art from local artists.
At halfway, the friendly Miranda Holiday Park also offers refreshments and has a great range of accommodation options, including a large thermal pool for guest use. Shorebird Cycles can deliver and pick up our bikes from the Holiday Park if required.
Upon your return to Kaiaua there is the fish and chip shop, or right next door, the Bayview Hotel has a great garden bar and restaurant, offering food that you will rave about!
Trip 1: Two Hour return option - 20km
Cycle along the coast from Kaiaua to Pukorokoro-Miranda Shorebird Centre, then onto Robert Findlay Reserve and the Bird Hides. At the end of East Coast Road head inland along Miranda Road to your turnaround point at the Miranda Cafe/Art Gallery
Trip 2: Tapapakanga Regional Park (4 Hours Return)
Starting from the seaside village of Kaiaua this scenic route winds north up East Coast road, past the Pink Cafe (highly recommend the home made scones) hugging shoreline the entire way. Past the quarry lakes and WWII shipwreck HMS Hinau, a great stop is Waharau Regional Park with an abundance of bush walks and river holes.
At the end of an incredible ride you will arrive at Tapapakanga Regional Park. Tapapakanga is a hidden gem - An historic homestead in a beautiful sheltered bay with picnic areas, gas BBQ’s and more great walks, prolific in birdlife. At the southern end of the bay is a lovely freshwater swimming hole to revitalise, before your trip back to Kaiaua. Upon your return to Kaiaua there is the fish and chip shop, or right next door, the Bayview Hotel has a great garden bar and restaurant, offering food that you will rave about!
Trip 2: 2 Hour return option - 20km
Continue past Waharau Regional Park another kilometre, and on the sea side is the Dragons Nest Pottery store - showcasing unique sculptures and ceramics made with New Zealand clays. Carry on another 5km to Matingarahi to enjoy the expansive views of the firth and a lovely swim before you return home.
Hauraki Rail Trail Legs
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Section A: Kaiaua to Thames
55km (5-6 hours)
Starting from Kaiaua, this section of trail follows in the footsteps of an early Māori settler, Te Aho. As it winds around the edge of the shallow Firth of Thames over chenier shell banks, the trail passes through wetlands of International importance. The abundance of migratory shorebirds provide a magical opportunity to learn about the migration of the Godwit, the bird with the longest non-stop migration in the world. -
Section B: Thames to Paeroa
34 km (3-4 hours)
This richly historic area was once only accessible via the two rivers, Waihou and Hikutaia. Following the old railway line out of Thames township, the trail promises lush farmland and impressive views of the Hauraki Plains and forested Kaimai Ranges. The Cheese Barn at Matatoki is worth a stop. Drop into the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park, once New Zealand’s most inland port, and catch the riverboat into town. -
Section C: Paeroa to Waihi
24 kms (6 - 8 hours Return)
The most popular section of the Rail Trail follows the Ohinemuri River through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge. It’s worth taking extra time to explore this deep canyon cut through the Kaimai Ranges. This distinctly different landscape includes the cascading Owharoa Falls, photogenic gold mining sites, the charmingly old-fashioned Victoria Battery Museum, and spooky Windows Walkway that burrows through a shadowy side-gorge. -
Section D: Paeroa to Te Aroha
23 km (2-3 hours)
Heading south, this leisurely section passes through lush Waikato farmland dotted with dairy cows and farm animals. The Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and Mt Te Aroha (952m The Mountain of Love), and expansive views over the Hauraki Plains are a feast for the eyes. Pack your togs and make the most of Te Aroha Mineral Spas. It’s a great way to soothe pedal weary muscles at the end of a ride. -
Section E: Te Aroha to Matamata
37 km (2-4 hours)
Relax and make the most of this simple journey past goat, dairy and thoroughbred farms. As you approach Matamata look out for the majestic Wairere Falls - the highest waterfall in the North Island. Stop at the Firth Tower to enjoy the tranquil gardens and explore the museum displays. A visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set is a Must Do. Take a Tour, feast like a Hobbit, or simply enjoy a tipple at the Green Dragon Inn.
