Hauraki Rail Trail facts for kids
The Hauraki Rail Trail is a fantastic path for bikes and walks in New Zealand. It is one of the "Great Rides" in the New Zealand Cycle Trail system. This means it is a top-quality trail for exploring the country. The trail uses parts of old railway lines that are no longer used by trains. You can find it in the Hauraki Gulf plains and on the Coromandel Peninsula.
The trail begins in Thames, New Zealand. From there, it goes south through Paeroa. Then, it splits into two directions. You can go east towards Waihi, passing through the amazing Karangahake Gorge. Or, you can go south to Te Aroha. In the Karangahake Gorge, the rail trail goes through a long tunnel. This tunnel is about 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) long and has lights inside.
Most people can finish the trail in about three days. It is known as one of the easiest cycle trails in New Zealand. The Hauraki Rail Trail offers many different sights. You will see beautiful pohutukawa trees, green farmland, and parts of New Zealand's early history.
How Long is the Trail?
The Hauraki Rail Trail first opened in 2012. By the end of 2012, about 95% of its 69 kilometers (43 miles) was ready. The entire original length was open by early 2013. This information comes from the official New Zealand Cycle Trail website.
In September 2013, a new section was opened. This part connects Waikino to Waihi. Now, the whole network is over 80 kilometers (50 miles) long. It is all easy-riding cycle trails.
There are also plans for another section. This part would go from Kopu to Kaiaua. It would follow the coast of the Firth of Thames. This new section could add another 56 kilometers (35 miles) to the trail. Planning for this part was expected to begin in mid-2013.
Why is the Trail So Popular?
In 2013, the Hauraki Rail Trail was called the most popular cycle trail in New Zealand. This was amazing because it had only been open for less than a year! From January to April 2013, more than 7,000 cyclists used the busiest part of the trail each month. This busy section is in the Karangahake Gorge.
The trail is especially popular with older riders and families. Many visitors come from Auckland and the wider Waikato region. A survey from the University of Waikato showed that 24% of users were from Auckland. Another 15% came from Hamilton. A large number of users were older riders.
Both local businesses and the Council agree that the trail helps the region's economy. It has become a very important way to promote tourism in the area.
Awards for the Trail
The new wooden bridges on the Hauraki Rail Trail won an award in 2012. They received the "Sustainability Award" at the Timber Design Awards. This award recognized how well the bridges were built using wood in an environmentally friendly way.
