2019 GUIDE YOUR FREE COPY - Hauraki Rail Trail
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YOUR FREE COPY
2019 GUIDE
HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 1
HAURAKI CYCLE TRAIL
& SHERPA SHUTTLE
PREMIER PROVIDER ON THE HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL
Hauraki Cycle Trail and Sherpa Shuttle Services offers
everything you need for a one day or multi-day ride on
New Zealand’s easiest gradient Rail Trail. Up to 160 km of trails.
Free itinerary planning & trail information service
Free accommodation booking service
Packages include: bike hire, luggage transfers,
shuttle services along the trail
BIKE HIRE AT:
- Paeroa Depot - Waikino Station Café
- Waihi Train Station - Te Aroha Motel
And delivery to start anywhere along the trail
CONTACT:
Paeroa Depot: 6 Wharf Street Paeroa
Tel: (+64) 021. 525.515
or (+64) 07-862.69.11
Email: info@hrtrail.nz
Web: www.haurakicycletrail.co.nz
2 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 3
4 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 5
Welcome to the guide Contents Kaiaua to Thames
Thanks for joining us! We hope you enjoy Hauraki Rail Trail map . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Taking in the Kaiaua Shore birds, lush farm lands and Wetlands
with views to the Firth of Thames and the Coromandel.
reading about our place and would love your Kaiaua to Thames map (55km) . . . . . . . . 7
feedback on our freshly researched 2019 Kaiaua and Shorebird Coast information . 8 SECTION A
guide courtesy of Cycle Guides New Zealand. Thames township map . . . . . . . . . . . 13
The Coromandel
T he Hauraki Rail Trail transports you through Thames information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Wharekawa
Marae Whakatiwai
the communities of the Shorebird Coast, Thames to Paeroa map (34km) . . . . . . 20
Hauraki Plains, Thames & Kopu, Matatoki, Paeroa, Paeroa township map information . . . . 24
Te Aroha, Karangahake, Waikino and Waihi with
Paeroa information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Tikapa Moana / Firth of Thames
the townships of Waihi Beach, Antenree and Kaiaua 25
Matamata providing a gateway at either end. Paeroa to Waihi map . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 a Rd
u
Kaia
EC
Karangahake & Waikino information . . . 32
Each town on the rail trail has a proud identity
oas
Waihi township map . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
t
and close-knit relationships in the community, Thames
Rd
and our featured businesses are always happy Waihi information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Rays Rest
Kauaeranga
to share their local knowledge. After a day of Waihi Beach information . . . . . . . . . . 46 River
adventure on the trail, put your feet up and let
Paeroa to Te Aroha map . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Mi
ran
them take care of you! da Bird Hide
25a
Rd
Te Aroha township map . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Piako
Matai
There’s something for everyone on our trail, and Pῡkorokoro Kopu Whetu
Te Aroha information . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 River Marae
loads to see and do in Matamata, Thames, Te Miranda
Aroha, the Shorebird Coast, Paeroa and Waihi. Te Aroha to Matamata map . . . . . . . . . 58 25
26
Waitakaruru River Section B -
Matamata township information . . . . . 59 Fro
Hau
nt to Paeroa
Day trips can be added on like a 3km ride along M
Matamata township map . . . . . . . . . . 60 Pipiroa
raki
ira
the Thames Coast and short walks in Te Aroha
nd
Miranda Holiday Park
55km
Rd
aR
and Karangahake, to options of between 23km Waihou
Miranda Hot Pools
d
River
and 55km on the Thames-Paeroa, Paeroa to
Waikino return, Paeroa to Te Aroha or Paeroa to
Waihi sections.
About the guide to Auckland Waitakaruru
25
2
This is just a snapshot of what’s available
Opt for a train ride at Waikino to Waihi where you in our districts and of course you should DISTANCE: 55km Kaiaua Thames
can ride the short 4km Waihi gold pit rim trail or feel free to discover your own journey, or 2 Kaiaua to Bird Hide: 10 km
A
take a trip to the surf coastline of Waihi Beach Bird Hide to Waitakaruru: 11km
talk to the operators of the trail for other 2 Waitakaruru to Pipiroa: 15km
B
where you’ll want to relax by the beach for a while. options at www.haurakirailtrail.co.nz. Pipiroa to Kopu: 12km Waihi
Paeroa
Kopu to Thames: 7km
Our trail is funded by ratepayers, and these Editorial Content: Alison Smith, Hook & D
C
residents have a strong connection with their Arrow www.hookandarrow.co.nz Te Aroha
heritage, the land, the forest and the sea. They Email: alisonsmith@xtra.co.nz
welcome cyclists and visitors because, like them, Gun dogs ARE PERMITTED E
Ph 0226 940 449 on this section during the
you are likely to be a lover of the outdoors and of duck hunting season only Matamata
the good things in life. Designer: Leanne Penner
Email: leannepennermail@gmail.com
The use of the railway corridor for this cycle way 5m
Kaiaua 55km Thames
5m
creates a flat, wide and smooth trail that makes
2
Published by:
1
the Hauraki Rail Trail the easiest riding trail in New THE NEW ZEALAND CYCLE TRAIL 0m 0m
T&T Publishing Limited
Zealand – leaving plenty of time for exploration,
27 West Crescent, Te Puru 3575,
eateries and relaxation along the way.
Thames RD5
Follow us on:
Ph 07 868 2703
Always check www.haurakirailtrail.co.nz for trail
Email: craig@cycleguides.co.nz
updates, closures/maintenance before you go!
6 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 7
Unwind in the Southern Hemisphere’s
Shorebird Coast largest outdoor thermal mineral pool
da
of M iran
twaters
hi n g ho
soo t
y the
Enjo
• Sit in the Sauna/Spa pool (40°C) and feel
the stress melt away
• Private thermal mineral spa pools
• Toddlers can learn water confidence in
their own warm pool
• Skills Active Qualified Lifeguards
• Hot Food Shop
• Shop supplying ice-cream, confectionery,
refreshments
• BBQ and picnic areas
• Children’s Playground & Jumping Pillow
• Chair Lift Available
• Ample Car Parking
Start the Hauraki Rail Trail off with a flying start on the scenic shorebird coast. The Miranda Hot Springs has a large 47m by 17m
natural thermal hot pool, surrounded by well- Handy to:
The farming settlements that dot the trail are fishing mad towns with a relaxed, kept grounds ideal for picnics and barbecues. • Award Winning Miranda Holiday Park
country vibe. Why wouldn’t you be when you have the serene blue waters of There’s hot food for sale too. The children’s pool • World Class Miranda Shorebird Centre
is maintained at a cooler temperature while the
the Firth of Thames on your doorstep, which makes this area a great place to • 3 Golf Courses
adult-only sauna pool sits at around 40°C-41°C.
In addition, there are four private spa pools. • Bush Walks
stop and shake off those city vibes.
• Water Gardens
As you cycle further along the coast, you get
a view out over the Firth of Thames and the • 20 minutes to Thames
• 15 minutes to Ngatea
T here’s a great deal to see and do in this area Speaking of feeding, this coastal area makes the settlement across this stretch of water. It’s
so staying a night on the seabird coast is a perfect place to indulge in excellent fish and poignant to reflect on the words of Lieutenant
good option. The Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird chips with the smell of the sea in your nostrils. James Cook in 1769 – who explored this stretch
Centre (www.miranda-shorebird.org.nz) is a of river with botanist Joseph Banks onboard HMB Ph: 07 867 3055
As for the other major attraction of this stretch Endeavour on its first Voyage of Discovery 250 595 Front Miranda Rd,
fascinating destination for bird watchers with up
of coast, what could be more perfect for cyclists years ago this year (2019).
to 20,000 shorebirds feeding and nesting along Waitakaruru, RD6, Thames 3576
than natural hot springs? Happily, mother nature
the Firth coast backed by the Coromandel range Cook named the Waihou River Thames, after the Email: info@mirandahotsprings.co.nz
has provided them just for you…
on your cycle toward Kopu. river in England. www.mirandahotsprings.co.nz
8 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 9
Shorebird Coast continued
Author of this guide, Alison Smith, has been Fresne, who brought news of the towering tree that
5 SHOREBIRD COAST
working on a collection of stories about the the Maori call their King of the Forest – the Kauri –
Endeavour’s arrival to the Coromandel in
1769 for the Mercury Bay 250 Trust, which is
to the world. Just three years after Cook’s visit, de
Fresne realised the suitability of kauri for ship masts
BEST REASONS TO VISIT THE
commemorating this year in 2019. The following and spars. Word quickly spread, particularly within
are excerpts from two of her stories; the British Navy, after this report:
‘….the banks of the river were compleatly “The tree that prevails most in all the forests
cloathd with the finest timber my Eyes is the olive-leafed cedar. I had cedars of this 1 The shorebird coast is an internationally significant landform. Over
ever beheld, of a tree we had before seen variety cut down whose trunks were more thousands of years, tides from the north have slowly deposited sand,
but only at a distance in Poverty bay than a hundred feet long (30 metres), from gravel and cockle shells down to the shoreline resulting in New Zealand’s
and Hawks bay; thick woods of it were the ground to the lowest branches, and fifty only chenier plain (a plain made of shell and sand on marine muds).
everywhere upon the Banks, every tree as two feet (15 metres) in diameter…its wood
straight as a pine and of immense size: still is elastic, and I judged it very suitable for 2 To soothe those tired muscles after your cycle, soak up the mineral
the higher we came the more numerous making ships’ masts.” thermal waters at the Miranda Hot Springs.
they were.’ 1
This brought timber merchants and then gold 3 Waharau Regional Park, enjoy walking through beautiful native forest.
These trees were almost certainly kahikatea miners, who stripped the mountains almost bare
or podocarpus dacrydioides2, which at the of kauri. While the early prosperity of the Hauraki- 4 Think like the locals and head out fishing in the plentiful Firth of Thames.
time covered the valley of the Waihou– or Coromandel region was derived from timber, gold,
Thames river – for about3 25 miles. and kauri gum industries, the early 20th century 5 In Kaiaua’s local domain you will find an 800-year-old pūriri tree.
drainage and development of the Hauraki Plains
The group had time to collect a few specimens3
led to a boom in dairy farming.
before naming the river – “Thames” – and
catching the ebb tide in their long boat, back And so, while in the early 1900s the Hauraki Plains
out towards the anchored Endeavour. was a large swampy forest, extensive drainage
work is now giving farmers an opportunity to
It was not long before Cook’s exploration of the
produce dairy from this land.
area was followed by a French explorer, Marion de
Just 9km from Kaiaua on the cycle way
With a full range of accommodation and its own
mineral hot pool and with loads of other
fun activities this is a great place to relax
A troubled past
Miranda, also known as Pūkorokoro was named after the HMS Miranda which
and unwind after a hard days bike ride.
unfortunately stormed and captured the Maori settlement in 1863.
For more information phone: 07 867 3205 or
book online at: www.mirandaholidaypark.co.nz
1
2
The Endeavour Journal of Joseph Banks 1768–1771 [Vol 1] 1769, p436.
Kahikatea or white pine, a soft wood and one of New Zealand’s tallest trees.
or email: stay@mirandaholidaypark.co.nz
3
At least one specimen – cut by Banks from the ground beneath the tree Cook measured – turned out to be a black pine or matai. Refer Begg, p 44.
10 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 11
The Kopu Bridge
Mc
Subway
Do
The Ariana passes through the Kopu Bridge. Photo: Sereena Burton
Joll
na
lds
yBik
As you cycle alongside the Waihou River you will reach the new Kopu Bridge
es
and the old, historic Kopu Bridge at Kopu, 7km from Thames.
Pam
p
T
er M
he Kopu Bridge and Community Trust is The Waihou River was once used by waka (Maori
e
working hard to get the old Kopu Bridge canoes) who surrounded Lieutenant James
opened up to cyclists and walkers – although Cook’s ship the Endeavour, in November 1769.
no date has as yet been given for when this will Cook spent two days in small boats travelling on
be. The old bridge was sold to the Trust for $1 the river, reaching a point about 20 kilometres
by the New Zealand Transport Agency, and is a from the sea, before returning to the ship.
Category 1 historic structure.
According to research by Engineering NZ, later,
Completed in 1928, the Kopu Bridge is significant in June 1820 the Church Missionary Society
as the sole remaining example of a swing span missionary Samuel Marsden (1765-1838) came
bridge in New Zealand. This type of bridge opens up the river by ship’s boat from the H.M.S.
to let river traffic through, much like a gate. Coromandel ship, named after the Coromandel
Coast of India, and which gave Coromandel its
OPEN THE GATE name. Marsden was hoping to find a practical
overland route to Tauranga and he spent 10 days
The Kopu Bridge is a structure of importance
exploring the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers,
to New Zealand’s engineering heritage. This
making it as far as the Karangahake Gorge. In
is largely because of the provision made in its
1842 Joshua Thorp and family moved to the
design to allow the considerable amount of river
Paeroa area, becoming the first European settlers
traffic which once operated on the Waihou River
to take up land on the banks of the Waihou River.
to pass under or through it. It is also indicative
At this time there were few roads and the river
of a period when New Zealand transport was
was the most practical highway.
changing, and roading began its challenge to
rail and shipping as the dominant means of In the 19th and early 20th centuries, boats plied
passenger transportation. The Kopu Bridge is the Waihou with goods and passengers. The old
also the legacy of the skilled engineers, John Kopu Bridge was designed to open up so that
Ernest Lelliot Cull (1879-1943) and Onslow Garth boats could travel underneath.
Thornton (1890-1972), who found creative
For more on the Kopu Bridge project and future events
solutions to the unusual set of circumstances
on it, contact The Kopu Bridge and Community Trust
particular to the site. C/- Burton, PO Box 312 Thames.
12 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 13
Equipment hire and tour operation
We hire:
• MTB, trail bikes, e-bikes, easy access bikes.
• Bikes and trailers for the whole family.
• We cover all your needs.
• Immediate assistance service, even after hours.
• High quality bikes, excellent workshop.
Receive:
• Individually tailoured tour advice and bookings.
• And complete, hassle-free itineraries, including multiday.
• Bases in Thames and Paeroa. Shuttle and
luggage service.
office@jollybikes.co.nz | www.jollybikes.co.nz | 07 867 9026
MARIA FLINT
Thames Having previously been in sales, I have been a
personal assistant at Harcourts for nearly five
years. It is now time to focus on the Real Estate
Parawai negotiated in the knowledge that life was about market place. Real estate is a genuine passion,
Thames is the biggest of the Coromandel’s to change irrevocably. meeting different people and helping them make
townships but was once much bigger – a thriving As you ride from Thames along the Hauraki their dreams with new lifestyles come true.
epicentre for gold, which was found in the late Rail Trail, you’ll see the sculptural work I’ve been taught that hard work and premium
1860s, glinting in the rockface of a waterfall in the commemorating the occasion. It is a combined
foothills of the Coromandel Ranges.
customer service are the paramount values of the
work by Thames carver Darin Jenkins, artist John business. I couple these with sharp attention to
In August 2017 the town marked 150 years since McKeowen (for the metalwork) and Tapu stone
detail, honesty and an unwavering commitment to
the opening of the Thames goldfields in 1867, a sculptor Jocelyn Pratt (for the basalt mussel shell).
my clients.
proclamation that sparked Auckland’s economic
“For us this represents the coming I can offer you a quality of service that will be of
recovery at the time and led to the development Please call me for any of your
together of two peoples, the iwi and the value to you whether buying or selling.
of the present-day town that’s so rich in industrial real estate needs, whether
heritage. immigrants, when the goldfields opened,”
says Thames Community Board Chair buying or selling.
The industrial and commercial enterprise of
Thames’ forefathers was made possible with
Diane Connors. As funding becomes
available, more artworks will be added to
‘Working for You’ Maria Flint 0274 585 405
the co-operation of Maori rangitira (chiefs), who REAA2008
the trail by the Thames Public Arts Trust.
14 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 15
Thames continued
Numerous historic hotels remain after opening their doors to cater for gold miners in 1869, an era when
THE WHARF
Thames had more than 80 hotels. For insights into gold heritage, the Thames Museum corner of Pollen
and Cochrane St, the Thames School of Mines and Museum on corner of Brown and Cochrane St, and
the Goldmine Experience on the corner of Moanataiari Road and State Highway 25, at the northern end
McDonald’s®
of Thames are all excellent to explore.
Coffee house & Bar Paeroa
Come and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere • Only 10m from the trail
and fantastic water views • Free water bottle refills
Hours: • Bike stand available
Monday - Tuesday 9am till 3pm
Wednesday - Sunday 9am till late
McDonald’s®
Shortland Wharf, Thames • Ph: 07 868 6828
www.thamesfisheries.co.nz
Thames
• Located in Goldfields Shopping
Centre 2 minutes from the trail
• Free water bottle refills
• Bike stand available
Mon - Thu open till 7pm
Friday - open till 8pm
Sat - Sun open till 7pm
LSM7132-AD
Ph/Fax: 07 868 6528 • M: 027 436 4706
E: thamesfish@xtra.co.nz •W:www.thamesfisheries.co.nz
Next to the Thames School of Mines is the
Thames Rock Shop where you can pick
up salt crystal lamps, fossils, shark teeth,
greenstone, quartz, jewellery, locally made
crafts, affordable crystals, and find friendly
knowledgeable staff.
Heading across the road toward the sea
from here is the Coastal Walkway, a cycling
and walking path along the Waihou
(Thames) River. 502 Pollen St Thames
Enjoy the ‘Underfoot Gallery’ of art on the 37 Orchard West Rd Ngatea
path on your cycle from here either north 601 Port Rd Whangamata
(away from the official start of the Hauraki
Rail Trail, but to picturesque Kuranui Bay), 25 Seddon St Waihi
or past the Goldfields Shopping Mall and
McDonalds to the historic Shortland Wharf The offer below is only vaild in these four stores
(the official start of the Hauraki Rail Trail). When you purchase any Subway Sandwich present this add and you will receive a free cookie and a medium drink
16 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 17
Thames continued
Pou Whenua
Here at the ‘official start’ you can read up about
the history of settlement in this area, and enjoy
the hospitality at the Wharf Coffee House and Bar
and Thames Wholesale Fisheries. It’s the only place
in Thames that you can buy freshly caught fish
from the local area and enjoy it alongside the sea, The carved posts on the Kopu bridge are called Pouwhenua, which mark territorial
which probably explains why it’s always popular boundaries or places of significance. They can be found throughout New Zealand and
with visitors, groups and locals alike. their elaborate carvings tell a story. Also note the stylised waves along the sides of
this bridge, broken in the middle by a waka, or canoe. The seas, foreshores and inland
The fisheries shop sells not only locally caught fish waterways are of enormous importance to Maori.
species but kina, oysters, Coromandel mussels and
homemade fish cakes. You can eat them with your
hot chips at the café alongside, where there are
also cabinet selections, Lavazza coffee, wine and
Moa (craft) beer, or you can sit on an outside table
5 VISIT THAMES
under an umbrella to eat al fresco.
Co-owners Janene and Caroline have an onsite The Wharf is a great place to get a sense of the
maritime history of the township, and other
BEST REASONS TO
smokehouse, where every week they smoke fresh
snapper, kahawai, salmon, mullet (if they have destinations along the trail for maritime history
it) and trevally. “We process it, split it and hang it lovers are Paeroa at the Historical Maritime Park
then smoke it for a good five hours then bring it and Museum at 6894 State Highway 2 Paeroa
in. It tastes delicious.” (see our Paeroa section).
1 Historical Firth of Thames. From the waka of the Maori to Lieutenant
Cook on his first Voyage of Discovery onboard the Endeavour in 1769,
the Waihou River has many stories.
Jolly Good Ride
2 Kauaeranga Valley in the Coromandel Forest Park is on the doorstep of
Thames and is an adventurer’s playground worth exploring – just be
sure to clean your footwear if entering the forest, to avoid the possibility
of spreading Kauri Dieback Disease into the last remnants of the once-
magnificent canopy of Kauri forest.
3 New gold. The Saturday morning Thames markets at Grahamstown allow
Jolly Bikes in Thames in Paeroa have been catering you to mooch for funky finds, plants, food, handmade crafts and second-
to cyclists of the Hauraki Rail Trail with bike hire hand goods. The Thames Rock Shop and other retro shops and op shops
and sales for years now, but they’ve steered of Thames are modern-day goldmines for shoppers.
themselves into a new direction too with group
tours locally and further afield. How does a ride 4 The pace. Coast along the coast and absorb the experience even more
from Christchurch in the South Island to Auckland with a smart motion e-bike supplied by Jolly Electric Bikes – super comfy.
sound? Well, to clients of Jolly Bikes in Thames and Gain more ground and explore the Hauraki Trail in style. This is the
Paeroa, it’s a holiday! Luen Wong and Christian perfect pace of Thames. www.jollybikes.co.nz 309 Mary Street, Thames.
Adolf from Jolly Bikes say they launched their 021 0816 5000
international tours, catering to a mostly German
clientele, to provide cyclists with a real experience 5 Beaches and sunsets. Beaches are close by in Thames. Cycle up the
of kiwi life. Their customers cycle on standard or Coastal Walkway toward Kuranui Bay and if you’re here in November and
e-bikes with accommodation and a shadow bus for Thames? “We would love it the Kopu Bridge December, the New Zealand Christmas tree, the pohutukawa, will be in
all organised for them. “On the West Coast of the could be opened to cyclists soon, as it will add bloom. There are also many parks like the William Hall Arboretum and
South Island they stay in local’s homes as there’s some uniqueness to the Thames part of the rail Kuranui Bay; ideal for picnics and relaxing.
no flash hotels,” says Christian. What’s their vision trail. With care you can also cycle to the beaches
18 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 19Thames to Paeroa Thames
to Paeroa
Cycle through lush farm land, passed small towns with a few glimpses of the
Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers arriving at the famous giant L&P bottle.
SECTION B 25
The Coromandel Bike Hire
Pamper Me
The Junction Hotel Approximately 11km south of
Thames The Wharf Coffee House
McDonalds
Thames in the direction of Paeroa
Kauaeranga River Subway lies the Cheese Barn Cafe at
Waiter and Co
Tikapa Moana / Firth of Thames
25a
Matatoki, a working cheese factory
and licensed café surrounded by
Matai Whetu Marae specimen trees and farm animals.
Section A
- to Kaiaua Kopu
25 26
The Cheese Barn
W ith a spacious carpark that includes
NZMCA-friendly parking, owners
Kelvin and Cathy Haigh have recently
Pipiroa handed over the reigns of the café operation
The Coach House to longtime staffer Pip Sced who’s adding a
Waihou
River few new flavours to the menu.
Cheesemaker Kelvin and Cathy can now focus
26 on the products that have made them the
DISTANCE: 34km Kaiaua ‘home of champion award-winning organic
Thames to Kopu: 7 km Thames
cheese since 1994’ and which continue to
Kopu to Hikutaia: 16km A
Hikutaia to Paeroa: 11km
B bring cyclists by the rail trail-load.
Waihi
Paeroa Their organic certified cheeses, yoghurt
C Hikutaia and butter is still made on-site using locally
D
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED
on this section of rail trail Te Aroha sourced milk from grass-fed cows not far from
34km the cheese barn, which means these products
E Corbett House Heritage
Bed & Breakfast
are suitable for people on the Paleo diet.
Matamata
Meanwhile, barista Pip continues to serve top Pip is a Paeroa local. She says the ride from Thames
class coffee and has started an organic garden to the Cheese Barn - and onwards from Matatoki to
50m
Thames 34km Paeroa
50m
2
for growing salads to add to the summer Paeroa - is popular with international visitors as well
32
0m
1
0m Historical 26
menu. She worked for the Haighs for four as ‘townies’ wanting to experience the smells and
Maritime Park 2 years before taking on a lease to operate the sights of rural North Island New Zealand. Yet really,
café, but says she won’t be making any major you’re not that far from two heritage towns with
Te Pai O Hauraki
changes. Afterall, the Cheese Barn at Matatoki everything you could need.
Paeroa has always been a major highlight of the
2
cycling experience in this section of the trail.
26 “It’s a flat ride, and it’s also unique to people who
Section D - Section C
to Te Aroha - to Waihi Car enthusiasts also make regular stops here don’t know about farming. We get lots of retirees
THE NEW ZEALAND CYCLE TRAIL while touring. “There’s nowhere else really like and visitors from overseas. For townies, getting to
here that does organic cheeses,” says Pip. “The
cycle through the farmland is pretty special, and
beautiful big old trees and baby animals in the
if you’re feeling like taking it easy you can hire an
paddock next to the barn make it a place that
Follow us on:
children love coming to, because they can free e-bike from Jolly Bikes now in Thames or Paeroa.”
range and feed the animals.”
20 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 21H E R I TAG E B E D & B R E A K FA S T
A truly unique
accommodation experience
eird Fact
Allowing others to experience the tranquility and
Wo
special ambience of an historic 1920s rural home,
ex-dairy farmers Anja and David Corbett have
opened their doors to heritage-listed Corbett
House on the main highway towards Kopu, in the
rural hamlet of Hikutaia.
David’s Grandfather’s auntie – Julia Corbett - had More than 5500 children around
the five bedroom house built in the 1920s to
the country have been sinking their
keep her nine children away from the successful
tavern that she ran. David says his astute great, teeth into DairyNZ’s Is it Cheese?
great, great aunt – did we get this right? - did a kit. This in-class learning resource
roaring trade with her Pioneer Tavern and had teaches students about an element’s
the beautiful home built some distance away change in state (in this case, from
between them, and their Corbett House drinking
from the pub.
experience is as refined as Julia Corbett would liquid to solid), a mandatory part
Says David: “Hauraki District was dry with have thought proper. The quiet, private rear deck of the New Zealand school science
the prohibition and Thames was not, and the looks across to the river and hens roam freerange curriculum. The lesson enables
boundary is only a few hundred metres from us. on gardens leading to paddocks, providing eggs
children to compare chemical
Karangahake and Waihi customers would stop for guests’ breakfasts in the morning.
at the Hukutaia Station and the story is that they and physical changes through the
With its rose gardens in bloom in spring and cheese-making process – getting a
would literally run to the pub because it was the
summer and the soft light of winter through the
closest source of beer.” feta understanding.
grounds in winter, a stay in Corbett House is an
Guests are accommodated in one of three authentic, hospitable country immersion that
rooms upstairs and share two bathrooms Anja and David provide.
22 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 23Paeroa Pukeko Lodge
Paeroa Pukeko Lodge is situated just 4kms from the heart of Paeroa Village down a scenic
country lane with beautiful rolling hills and 360 degree views of rural scenery 2k from the
Hauraki Rail Trail and a 2 minute drive to the local golf course.
Pae ike Hir
&B
roa
Ma r
ine
e
Priced from $130 per night we offer two bedrooms within the lodge consisting of a queen
bed and a super king, each room is elegantly decorated and has the comforts of home.
There is a guest lounge where complimentary tea and coffee facilities are available with
a choice of entertainment TV, stereo, cds and board games to name a few.
This lounge opens out to a outside seating area that looks out over the garden
and spa pool, enjoy a wine and amazing view while relaxing in the spa.
Breakfast at Paeroa pukeko lodge consists of a continental breakfast
with a menu including a cooked meal.
07 862 8238 • 456 Rotokohu Rd, Hauraki, Paeroa • www.booking.com
The Refinery
Bike Hire
one 3 one
Restaurant
Cafe & Bar
Restaurant • Cafe • Bar
WELCOME TO ONE 3 ONE BAR KITCHEN CAFE
In the site of the old Fathers Tavern One 3 One Bar Kitchen Cafe offers style, comfort and a classic menu and
wine list with service that is second to none in Paeroa. If your looking for somewhere to go for a casual drink or
meal then this is the place for you. With its amazing copper bar and stylish interior it is a great place to spend time.
We offer a great range on tap, a wine list to suit all tastes and a menu with a wide selection of amazing food.
We also have a modern stylish gaming room.
to Paeroa Pukeko Lodge
So if you are stopping in Paeroa there is no place better to go than
One 3 One Bar Kitchen Cafe.
Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7pm and
"accepts gold card"
P: 07 862 7273
AU-7904824AA
We are open from 10am 7 days a week.
131 Normanby Road, Paeroa • E: reservationsone3one@gmail.com • W: www.one3one.co.nz
24 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 25THE REFINERY
Paeroa CAFÉ & ACCOMMODATION
GUARD’S COTTAGE & MINER’S CABIN
PRIVATE, SELF-CONTAINED LODGING IN THE HEART OF PAEROA
FOOD &
LODGING
5 WILLOUGHBY ST - PAEROA - NZ - 07 862 7678 - WWW.THE-REFINERY.COM
BIKE HIRE
AVAILABLE HERE
Paeroa calls itself the best little town in the middle of everywhere, and it’s
perfectly positioned with Hobbiton to the south and is the start to the most The Paeroa Info Hub, ...in Paeroa,
popular section of the Hauraki Rail Trail – into Karangahake and Waikino. start your Rail Trail the best little town
experience, right in the middle of
I t was voted New Zealand’s Community of the
Year a few years back and is an extremely proud
and gracious town with locals that like to roll
after, this Waikato town is a treasure hunter’s
dream, and has labelled itself as the antique
capital of New Zealand. here... everywhere.
their sleeves up.
Cycling and antique hunting can be thirsty work, Call Michael Tansey, paeroa.org.nz/events
It feels like everyone is friendly in Paeroa and so luckily Paeroa is the perfect place to quench 07 862 8636 or 021 344 042
they’ll share their local tips about the places to the thirst and is home of the ‘World Famous in 07 862 6999 or 027 605 1858
email pae.info@xtra.co.nz
eat, swim, fish or where to check out the best New Zealand’ soft drink, L&P, and its story is fully
Christmas lights in exchange for a big smile and told on the Positive Paeroa website www.paeroa.
some manners. org.nz. Essentially it began with the discovery of 101 Normanby Road,
Paeroa’s unique mineral waters bubbling from a
If you’re looking for some retail therapy after
deep underground spring.
Paeroa
your cycling adventures and it’s antiques you’re
26 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 27Paeroa continued
HAURAKI CYCLE TRAIL ECO ACCOMMODATION
AND SHERPA SHUTTLE Get away and stay in the quiet and comfort of
PREMIER PROVIDER ON THE the Upper Maratoto Valley behind Hikutaia in the
HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL Southern Coromandel Ranges. This is a a tech free off
Hauraki Cycle Trail and Sherpa Shuttle Services grid site no cell phone or WiFi just complete peace.
offers everything you need for a one day or
multi-day ride on New Zealand’s easiest gradient
Rail Trail with up to 160 km of trails. Their
service includes free itinerary planning and trail
information as well as a free accommodation
booking service. Packages include bike hire,
luggage transfers, shuttle services along the trail.
Bikes can be hired at the following:
Paeroa Depot at 6 Wharf Street
Ph 021 525 515 or Ph 07 862 6911,
Waikino Station Café, Waihi Train Station, Te Aroha
Motel and delivered to start anywhere along the trail.
The Paeroa spring water is a mild alkaline water The Refinery was New Zealand Café of the Year e: info@hrtrail.nz or visit Phone 07 862 4833
with iron salts that became popular for its finalist – and is a modern take on a historic w: www.haurakicycletrail.co.nz E: tim@earthbridge.co.nz • E: www.earthbridgenz.com
medicinal and thirst quenching qualities, and place; the building was originally commissioned
people began drinking the waters with a little as the National Bank Gold Refinery in 1914. As
squeeze of lemon. such, the massive solid concrete walls, double
5 VISIT PAEROA
height stud capped with huge timber beams and
There are numerous excellent eateries such as
The Refinery for Food and Lodgings and One 3
Rimu roof structure certainly fitted the grandeur
of purpose. A large, light-filled space, which
BEST REASONS TO
One, a kitchen, bar and café on the site of the
manages to be cosy and welcoming.
historic Father’s Tavern at 131 Normanby Rd. A
wall of historic photos shows Paeroa’s early years Boutique accommodation on site includes
as a thriving transport and distribution centre. The Guard’s Cottage - a self-contained and
Although the original Father’s Tavern is gone, comfortable with ‘50s inspired decor and has
1 Bullswool Farm Park in the Karangahake Gorge (well sign-posted from
the bar and doors at One 3 One feature original everything one would need for a relaxing stay.
SH2), is a Southern Coromandel icon and very unique working farm.
rimu timbers from the old pub and give the The Miner’s Cabin is charming and rustic with a
Get up close to the huge variety of rarebreed farm animals, enjoy
place a rustic touch to an otherwise spacious and warm, relaxed style and a cosy loft bed.
the Native Bird Reserve, Gold & Kauri Museum and new Sheep Shed
display. Amazing play areas including the popular “Hill’s & Thrills”
ntry
modern interior.
mountain bike track. Fun for all ages.
Cou
2 Mooch the antique, retro and secondhand shops that are in
abundance in Paeroa.
Getting off the beaten track provides you with countryside
accommodation options like Pukeko Lodge on the outskirts of 3 Get your photo taken in front of the giant L&P bottle.
l e
Paeroa. Rail trailers love sitting in the spa with a glass of vino,
y
4 For the best view head up to Primrose Hill to the cenotaph for a view
s t
overlooking the mountains and gardens in this country setting. of the town.
Owners Michelle and Craig Huston spent four months renovating
and Michelle brings her floristry and 30 years’ hospitality 5 Get active in child-friendly Paeroa with a BMX pump track, to
experience to provide cooked and continental breakfasts and skateparks, to throwing a rugby ball in Paeroa Domain.
platters for those arriving late.
28 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 29SECTION C
Paeroa toWaihi
A stunning trail through the Karangahake Gorge including bridges,
bush clad mountain views and an 1100 metre long train tunnel.
SECTION C Formerly the Ohinemuri Winery, the Estate is located in the
Karangahake Gorge on SH2 between Paeroa and Waihi, and
Waihou River
26
within an hour and half of Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua.
Section B -
to Thames
Historical
Maritime Park
2
Waihi Gold Discovery Centre
25
Bullswool Farm Palm Lodge Motel
Te Pai O Hauraki Bullswool Farm
& Nature Park
Paeroa & Nature Park
Ohinemuri River Waihi Waihi Beach Top 10
Karangahake Waihi Beach Hotel
Ngahutoitoi Marae
Winery Estate Waikino Athenree Hot Pools
Waikino Hotel To
2 Waihi Railway W
Riverside Accommodation Station Bea aihi
ch
24km Karangahake Victoria Battery Mine
2 Railway and Museum
The Crown Puke
kauri
Rd
26 Mines Owharoa Ol
Tirohia dT
Marae Falls au
T
Windows Walk ra
ng
The Falls aR
d 2
Retreat
he Winery and Restaurant are couched in a native bush
Kaimai-Mamaku
Forest Park and formal garden setting above the Ohinemuri River. A 160m
track leads from the Hauraki Rail Trail to the Restaurant and
Cellar Door, making the Estate a great place to stop and “Rest
& Refresh” after a long drive or hard peddle!
DISTANCE: 24km Kaiaua
Section D - Paeroa to Karangahake: 8km
Thames
Although the name and ownership have changed, the
to Te Aroha Karangahake to Waikino: 7km A
B
Restaurant serves the same great food lovingly prepared by
Waikino to Waihi: 9km
Waihi
the same great chefs, and the same fantastic wine had-crafted
Dogs on leads are permitted
in the Karangahake Gorge
Paeroa
C
Waihi
Beach
by the same talented Winemaker (Horst).
section of the Rail Trail from Waikino D
Station to the old Karangahake Hall Te Aroha
The new owner, Chantelle, is dedicated to preserving the same
site at Crown Bridge at the northern wine, food, service and ambience that regulars have come
end of Victoria Tunnel, and where
to know and love, while at the same time serving up her own
E
the Rail Trail intersects the urban
areas of Waihi, Paeroa, Te Aroha and
Matamata country style fruit wines, ports and schnapps, hand-crafted in
Thames. DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED
on any other section of the Rail Trail. small batch vats on the property.
Paeroa 24km Waihi
100m 100m
109
50m 50m
0
0m 0m
THE NEW ZEALAND CYCLE TRAIL Cyclists are welcome to use the Estate car park and easy access to the trail,
if they are coming in for lunch before or after their ride.
Ph: 07 862 8874 | Mob: 022 108 5142
Follow us on: Email: chantelle@forbiddenfruitwine.co.nz
Web: www.forbiddenfruitwine.co.nz
30 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 31Karangahake
Cycling through the spectacular
Karangahake Gorge not only
leaves you flabbergasted by the
sheer beauty of the gorge, but
with a bit of digging you will
discover hidden in the hills, a
community rich in history.
T he Karangahake Gorge leg of the Hauraki
Rail Trail journey takes in the Karangahake
Gorge Historic Walkway. This includes the
of the gold rich Coromandel range, and it does
help to have a torch. However, emerging from the
dark of the tunnel is an absolute experience to
popular Windows Walk with its mining relics and behold. Peacefully secluded from road noise, the
‘windows’ out to the river below. Refer to www. immensity of nature takes over the senses. From
doc.govt.nz for more information on the sites of here you will continue cycling adjacent to the river
historical interest, and the walkway. and can take short detours to view signposted
waterfalls.
The former mine tunnels are an alternative
gentle form of exercise that’s a highlight of the Across the road you will see the award winning
trail and gets you off the saddle for a while. It Bistro at The Falls Retreat, which offers boutique
is difficult to imagine that the area was home accomodation, delectable food and a variety
to tonnes of industrial machinery - causing a of experiences where you can learn about their
din alongside the shouts of hundreds of miners paddock to plate ethos.
grafting away - because it is now so peaceful. The
Plan time to visit The Victoria Battery Tramway
gentle gradients enable you to take in the scenery
Society’s Victoria Battery Mine Railway and
without having to reach for your inhaler.
Museum. Take a ride on the diesel train and
The Ohinemuri River and surrounding native put your hard hat on for an underground tour
bush demonstrates the heartening ability of with one of their knowledgeable guides. For a
nature to heal through time. real insight, allow time to browse the exhibits
and models in the little museum and talk to the
The first cyanidation plant in the world was
characters who volunteer their time to keep
established at the Crown Mine at Karangahake,
everything operating and have a wealth of
in 1889. By 1892 there were six cyanide plants
knowledge on the history preserved here.
on the Ohinemuri Goldfield, depositing tailings
containing cyanide directly into the Ohinemuri And on the subject of history, the Waikino
River from various mining operations. Tavern is as old as the hills, but is looking rather
youthful after a makeover thanks to Waikino Hotel
From here journey crosses over the Ohinemuri
publicans James and Jaimee Beck who saved
River Bridge 2, to the Karangahake Winery Estate
the landmark from collapse earlier in 2018. Since
where you can treat yourself to a range of tastings.
1897, the hotel has gone through fires, floods and
The 160 metre track from the rail trail to the cellar
prohibition which can all be learnt about while
will only make their wines taste even finer.
you rest those muscles and have a hard earned
Once adequately fed and watered, strike off pub meal. Discover the history of the hotel which
through the 1km Karangahake tunnels built as is just as windy as the road it sits upon. Head to
part of a crucial road rail line linking both sides www.waikinohotel.nz to find out what is on offer.
32 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 33Karangahake continued
FOR A COMPLETE
EXPERIENCE!
BOOKINGS
07 863 8770
Biking Owharoa Falls. Photo: The Coromandel | www.thecoromandel.com
info@fallsretreat.co.nz
www.fallsretreat.co.nz
5 KARANGAHAKE
https://www.facebook.com/
BEST REASONS TO VISIT FallsRetreat
VICTORIA BATTERY MINE
RAILWAY and MUSEUM Take a journey
1 Take time out at the Owharoa Falls, a staircase waterfall nestled in the heart of
the Karangahake Gorge. Ideal for a picnic stop and a photo opportunity. Prior to
the Owharoa Falls you will find another waterfall and swimming spot signposted
back in time
off the trail, which takes you through a section of delightful native bush.
2 Visit the Art Waikino art exhibition at Labour Weekend where you will find
photography, sculpture, paintings and handcraft at the Waikino Victoria Hall at
8561 State Highway 2.
3 See nature’s ability to heal. A walk to take in the beauty of the Ohinemuri River For train times go to our website
via the Window’s Walk, a 1 hr 30 min round trip, is around 2.5 km. Historic gold extraction battery www.waihirail.co.nz
site for Martha Mine. or call 07 863 9020
4 If you don’t feel like riding the section from Waikino to Waihi then take the Bookings can also be made online
option to ride a diesel train and take your bike aboard with you. The Waikino
Displays, underground tunnel
Station is the original Paeroa train station, and was moved to this location. tours, and tramway rides.
SH2 Waikino
5 Go underground with a guide and explore the Victoria Battery and original
mining tunnels with The Victoria Battery Tramway Society. Allow time to browse Open 10am to 3pm
the exhibits and models in the little museum here and talk to the characters Wed & Sun & Public Holidays
38 Wrigley St,
who volunteer their time to keep everything operating and have a wealth of Ph: 021 0808 8043
Waihi 3610
knowledge on the history preserved here. Bookings: info@vbts.org.nz
www.vbts.org.nz
34 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 35ULTIMATE Advert for PRINT.pdf 1 11/29/2018 3:11:03 PM
Karangahake continued
Team Building | Corporate Groups
Customised Sightseeing Tours |
Outdoors Survival Training | Bootcamp
C
• A wide range of fun activities available
M
• Beautiful scenery to explore
Y
• Lovely accommodation and facilities to experience
CM
• Catering options with tasty food and fine wines on offer
MY
• Friendly and helpful staff on hand to help encourage and inspire
CY
CMY
K
Tel: +64 (0) 27 3633399
Looking for that ultimate, ULTIMATE
Tel: +64 (0) 21 08420173
Email: info@ultimatetb.com
fun-filled outdoor experience?
www.ultimatetb.com Address: Karangahake Gorge
We can provide individualised or group programs for small to large groups.
Why not check out ULTIMATE.
ULTIMATE is a company that offers a wide range of customized outdoor activities and sightseeing tours.
ULTIMATE operates primarily in and around the Karangahake Gorge region.
ULTIMATE offers team building programs which are ideal for any group, club, or organization.
ULTIMATE also specializes in providing fun filled experiences for special occasions including birthday
parties, and pre-wedding events.
A guesthouse
C
ULTIMATE can include catering and accommodation options as part of the customized package.
M
at the heart of the
Y
ULTIMATE lets you choose from the following activities: CM
• Archery Tag • Eeling • River tubing • Boot camp MY
• Archery and Crossbow
• Target shooting
• Golf
• Cycle tours
• Wine tours and wine making
• Waterfall tours
• Beach sporting events
• Kayaking
CY
CMY Hauraki Rail Trail
• Deer hunting • Hiking tours • Outdoors bush adventure • Skydiving K
• Sea fishing • Water skiing • Gold mining historical tours • Various team building games
• Fresh water fishing and tubing • Glow worm tours Windows Walk and Hauraki Pick up and drop off transport
Rail Tunnel minutes away. options available.
ULTIMATE activities are designed to cover all age groups and fitness levels.
ULTIMATE wants your group to experience an adventure that is impactful and memorable.
So, call us now so we can customize a tour or program that suits you and your fellow adventure seekers’ needs.
36 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 37Karangahake continued
Karangahake winery Victoria Battery
If the idea of a locally handcrafted elderberry port fruit wines are complemented perfectly by those At Waikino in the heart of the Karangahake Gorge you’ll find the
and cheeseboard sounds too tempting to cycle of chef Karyn Williams’. Victoria Battery Mine Railway and Museum. The historic ore kilns
ñ
past, you’re not alone. This is one of the favourites
Making wine is a talent for Chantelle, but she here are the only ones in the country open for the public to enjoy.
for rail trail customers to the Karangahake Winery
is a multi-talented woman. She worked as an It’s open Wednesdays, Sundays and public holidays The industry of goldmining was preceded by
Estate, and some of these customers have told
international banker until making the move home from 10am to 3pm except for Christmas Day and timber felling, and all around the Karangahake,
owner Chantelle Wheaton they’re addicted.
to New Zealand, where she was found to be too is staffed completely by just seven volunteers, Waihi, Paeroa, Te Aroha and Thames are walks
Chantelle bought the restaurant and overqualified to get a job in banking in so be sure to consider a donation to help the where you can only imagine the magnificence of
accommodation business from its previous this country. incorporated society that keeps it maintained. towering native trees such as the kauri and the
owners two years ago, and has embraced the kahikatea which reigned supreme, before being
opportunity to provide excellent customer service One evening, while crying into one of The society was formed in 1994 to promote this
her delicious homemade strawberry interesting heritage area and educate the public. cut and shipped offshore or used in the process of
to cyclists and locals alike. The restaurant is gold mining.
popular, so booking in advance is a good idea on wines with her go-getter partner, she All proceeds from entry go towards the upkeep of
weekends and through summer. was bravely asked by her man: the museum and other rail and gold heritage here. Up until 1901 the ore entering the Victoria Battery
‘Well what else are you good for?’. “I replied was first tipped into large brick-lined ore roasting
The estate has a direct path to the trail, and you’ll Youngsters love a ride on the 2ft gauge tramway
‘Just wine’. It was a light bulb moment.” kilns constructed in the highest point of the
find free water bottle filling, an outside set up for that snakes through the relics of the site, but
which can only operate in fine weather. If it’s a battery site. Alternate layers of 50 tonnes of native
dogs, a landscaped courtyard with seating for Chantelle bought the business almost two years timber and ore were stacked into the eight kilns
70 in addition to indoor restaurant seating, and ago now from its previous owners of 30 years. wet day you can still get the kids to don hard hats
and do guided a tour underground to the tunnel and burnt for a few days.
comfy B&B rooms if you’re ready to put your feet
Despite the hours involved in the business, under the giant kilns, where workers took rock The ore and ash were raked from chutes below
up awhile.
Chantelle still makes time to enjoy the trail and out after it had been cooked to make it friable into skip ore wagons, winched through a 200
House made kumara bread, condiments, jams and its surrounds. “Quite often I take a fishing rod before putting it into wagons to transport it out metre U shaped tunnel and the ore transported
relishes have been created alongside other take and pull some trout out of the river,” she says. for crushing. on to the crushers, stampers, tube mills and
away products including a frozen meal delivery “I’m loving it here. Since taking it on, we haven’t agitation tanks for cyanide treatment (the cyanide
service, and Chantelle’s own talents in making Society secretary Robyn Stads’ parents lived at
looked back.” entering the Ohinemuri river).
‘Turners Hill’ in the 1930s and her father Andy
Bronlund was among those who built the road For a sense of how many millions of feet of timber
Falls retreat
under the railway line taking you from Waikino to were taken from the forests of this area, a walk on
Waihi, as a solution to the many horse and cart vs the Waitewheta Tramway Walk, accessible from a
train accidents that were happening at the time. base in Waihi or Waikino, is an excellent excursion
According to Nell Climie in an article of the from the rail trail. Book an overnight stay in the
Situated over a bridge, through the native bush and has been awarded excellence in the Beef
Ohinemuri Regional History Journal (read more hut through the Department of Conservation
by a babbling stream and staircase waterfall, The and Lamb Awards for serving up exquisite New
fascinating pioneer history at www.ohinemuri.org. www.doc.govt.nz but book in advance as this hut
Falls Retreat is as close to a kiwiana fairytale story Zealand beef and lamb.
nz), Turner’s Hill is named after Nell’s grandfather, gets busy.
as you might possibly get.
In their Paddock to Plate workshops for local
who settled in the area from Yorkshire.
Executive chef Brad King and his wife Emma schools, kids identify and harvest produce then
Walters have been running the retreat since enjoy a pizza making session to learn about James Turner submitted his name for selection
2007 as sustainably as possible. Centred around cooking from scratch on a wood fire. Adults as a prospective farmer in New Zealand, writes
fresh produce in their gardens, community can attend regular gardening workshops and Nell, at a time when: “Yorkshire folk had been
workshops, and waste systems like worm farms, cooking demos on preserving and pickling, stirred by the stories of the voyages of their own
composting and recycling, a ‘Barter at the Bistro’ fermenting, curing meat and cooking from countryman, Captain Cook, who had embarked
also encourages locals to bring in excess produce scratch. The “Gather Experience” is a chance to from Whitby nearly 100 years before and young
in exchange for a coffee or two. explore the kitchen veggie gardens, gather, taste farmers in particular had long thoughts.”
and learn how to use fresh seasonal produce on 2019 is the 250th commemorative year of
As a result, In 2018 The Falls Retreat was named
their menu and includes a three-course seasonal Captain Cook’s arrival, and there’ll be events
as a finalist in the Keep NZ Beautiful Awards
lunch and tasting of their home made sodas. centred around Mercury Bay (Whitianga on the
in Most Sustainable Small Business Category
Coromandel) starting from October-November. On the Goldfields Railway from Waikino to Waihi
38 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 39Waihi
Waihi was a finalist as the ‘Most Beautiful Small Town in New Zealand’ 1, and with
Karangahake Gorge at one entrance and the Pacific Ocean community of Waihi
Beach at the other, it’s a destination worth lingering in.
T he Hauraki Rail Trail here steers you through
the heritage and natural heritage – the native
bush and beaches of this area – while the arty
town is loaded with things to see, do and eat.
In Waihi, find the works by artists and
craftspeople who gain their inspiration from the
Palm Lodge
natural beauty of the area and warmth of the
Motel Waihi Beach community.
& Athenree
Waihi Beach Hotel
Athenree Hot Pools
Gold was first discovered in Waihi in 1878 and
a character by the name of Billy Nicholl got the
industry rocking and rolling.
The stories of characters like Billy have been
embraced by the town, which has bronze
sculptures and well-maintained historical
buildings including the remains of a Gothic-style Come and relax in our pool and spa, spend the evening
Cornish Pumphouse that was based on a design unwinding in our garden and enjoy our comfortable rooms.
We offer Sky TV, free WIFI & BBQ - we can also store your
used in the tin mines of Cornwall, England. Its job bike. Only 300m to the Hauraki Rail Trail and playground
was to house the steam engines that drove the
huge pumps that kept the Martha Mine in the
centre of town from flooding.
07 863 8461
123 Parry Palm Avenue (previously No 2), Waihi
stay@palmmotelwaihi.co.nz • www.palmmotelwaihi.co.nz
1
Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards 2018
40
40 || HAURAKI
HAURAKI RAIL
RAIL TRAIL
TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 41Waihi continued
W a i h i C y c l e
For the best place to read up about the history of
Waihi and of gold in general, a visit to the award-
winning Waihi Goldmine Discovery Centre is a
must-do.
Waihi locals love their bike riding – and if you’re
looking for a fun group to join, why not contact
the Waihi 50 plus Cycle Group.
“One of the group’s regular rides starting in Waihi
Beach takes us to Athenree,” says Dave Evans. “At
the end of the road is a grassy area just right for
relaxing and watching the activity on Tauranga
Harbour.”
They can be found on Facebook and are a
superbly friendly group who don’t mind a dress-
up or two.
5 VISIT WAIHI
BEST REASONS TO
1 Waihi Gold Discovery Centre - a highly interactive ‘new-age’ visitor experience
Anzac Bay, Waihi Beach, is a beautiful spot and one of the group’s regular stopping places.
Looking for company on a ride? Look no further than the wonderful cycle groups
that you can connect with around the trail. We got the low down on Waihi Cycle
50 plus group, from Dave Evans:
that won the recent Museums Aotearoa “Best Visitor Experience” award – is a “I must say that I enjoy the Hauraki Rail Trail Guide, which always
must-do in Waihi. has an honoured place on our coffee table, and of course the trail
2 October is a great time to visit Waihi with all sorts of events and activities lined itself is a magnificent, wonderful achievement that I enjoy riding
up with GO Waihi’s Goldfest in association with OceanaGold. From Art Waikino on most weeks. I feel that when the trail from Waihi reaches Waihi
to school holiday activities, the Great Train Robbery to a Vegetarian Festival, Beach, even though that stretch is not likely to be Grade 1, it’ll be
there’s something to suit most tastes. the next step in creating an “Auckland to Pacific Ocean” trail worthy
of trumpeting worldwide!
3 The township has adopted the name ‘Waihi - Heart of Gold’ and for any visitor,
a walk along the Pit Rim Walkway to view the town’s vast Martha open pit “Jill and Paul Davenport got our group going five years ago,
mine – quite literally a humungous hole in the earth - will make you stand still with input from Sport Waikato, particularly supported by Julie
in awe. Guided tours are also available – see the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre. Stephenson of the Hauraki branch. The Waihi Leader newspaper
4 You’re just minutes from some of the most splendid outdoor walks and has always been very supportive, contributing to the success of
adventure you’ll find anywhere. Just south of the Hauraki Rail Trail toward the group. For some reason, this group has gone on to generate a
Waihi there’s the excellent walk and stay overnight on the Waitewheta life of its own, initially attributable to the lovely personalities of the
Tramway Walk. Follow an old tramline (1898 - 1928) on a relatively flat track Davenports and now down to a large number of people who share
through the spectacular Waitawheta Gorge - with interpretation panels as all the organising tasks between them.
well, it’s a great option for kids. Visit the DOC website www.doc.govt.nz.
“Circumstances meant that the Davenports had to move away
5 The Waihi Arts Centre and Museum was set up in 1962 and taught cooking a couple of years ago, but the group continues to thrive. Often Waihicyclegroup: The second birthday
and woodwork to students...Today people love to view the collections and get 30 or more will show up for a ride – and the email list has well
celebration in June 2015 was enjoyed by
help tracing their own family history. this nattily dressed rider, pictured entering
over 100. The group Facebook page is www.facebook.com/ the rail trail from Lawrence Road, Waihi on
Waihi50CycleGroup/ and online at waihi50plus.weebly.com.” their way to the Waikino Station cafe.
42 | HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL | 43You can also read
