In February 2009 the New Zealand government was going to invest $50 million and co-funding of around $30 million to build a 2,500Km Rail Trail down the center of NZ
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: North Island NZ
- Distance: 14 kms
- Time needed: 2 Hours
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Wheelchair Access: No
- Route: One Way
- Elevation: 75m
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: Yes
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: Yes
- Last Updated: November, 2019
We’ve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gear to bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. They’ll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 it’s only $5). Worldwide international shipping is available except to the USA. Bulky orders will be $20.
Summary points about this walk
Points of interest along the walk
Point 1: Start of Karangahake Rail Trail
If you are going to have lunch in Paeroa it is easier to peddle into town, have lunch then keep going till you reach the turn off to Hamilton, cross over the bridge and on to the Karangahake Rail Trail cycle lane You can choose to sticking to the Hauraki rail Trail and go around the back of town.
Point 2: Karangahake Rail Tunnel Turnoff
This part was tricky I was not the only one who all most took off back to Te Aroha
10Mt from the end of the bridge, on your right is the Hauraki Rail Trail to Te Aroha.
look 100m ahead. The road on the left is where you should be, Look for the diamond sign with a bike on it, under this sign and facing the wrong direction was the pathetic Karangahake sign.
So turn left and get on the the gravel trail. 5 minutes is the next turnoff to the left again.
There was not a sign in sight at this turnoff but just follow the gravel Hauraki Rail Trail.
The next turnoff is 3 minutes away, look for the red bus stop shelter on your right.
From the red tin shed to the old Karangahake hall sight will take you 25 minutes. On this section of Hauraki Rail Trail the gates are a push open with the front wheel and they slam shut behind you.
You follow the river through paddocks then ride into the back street of karangahake then down to the main entrance of the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway.. You can not miss it, the stone wall will stop you. When you have managed to squeeze through the stone barrier you are riding through what was the old Crown Battery built in 1893, 20Mt from the barrier you need to take the sharp turn to the left at the sign.
Point 3: Waikino Train Station
Cross the Waitawheta Road and in a few minutes you will be at the Victoria Battery.
The railway station is only minutes away so take some time out and have a look around
You need to cross over another bridge to get to Waikino Rail Station
