Discover the Best Coromandel Cycle Trails
Pedal the gorgeous Coromandel Peninsula and discover pristine native forest, gold-mining relics, rivers, stunning views and secluded golden beaches, all under your own steam. Here’s a guide to the best bike trails Coromandel has to offer, from the family-friendly to more challenging gut-buster tracks.
Karangahake Gorge Historic Cycle and Walkway (Easy – Level 1)
At the gateway to the Coromandel, discover the historic Karangahake Gorge Walkway, a 7-kilometre return shared bike and hiking track which follows an old railway between Paeroa and Waihi. Here you’ll discover a lost gold-miners civilization of tiny worker cottages, eerie tunnels, suspension bridges and the huge Victoria Battery, once New Zealand’s largest gold producer in the early 1900’s. This picturesque trail follows the icy Ohinemuri River as it flows through the gorge and is a highlight of the multi-day Hauraki Rail Trail, one of the most popular Coromandel attractions in the region.
Pack a head torch for the Rail Tunnel Loop, a 20-minute return ride from the Karangahake Hall. Ride over the river on the Western Portal Bridge into the 1100-metre former rail tunnel and emerge at the Eastern Portal Bridge which takes you back over the river. From here choose to complete the loop back to Karangahake, by biking downstream, or continue upstream towards the heritage Waikino station cafe. Take a break for a piping hot coffee and indulge in some hearty home-style baking. On weekends, you can opt to jump on the vintage steam train with your bikes and complete the remaining section into Waihi. The kids will love it!
Hotoritori mountain bike trails (Easy to Intermediate Level 2/3)
Deep in the protected Coromandel Forest Park, you'll discover a network of short mountain biking trails, nestled 16-kilometres up the beautiful Kauaeranga Valley, behind Thames. The valley is one of the main Coromandel attractions with its majestic Kauri, campsites, swimming holes and the popular Pinnacles track with its jagged limestone outcrops and panoramic coastal views.
Riders of all ages can explore the Hotoritori network of trails through the forest and experienced mountain bikers can criss-cross multiple trail loops for a more strenuous workout.
The Hotoritori Campsite is the start point for Kim’s Track, which all the secondary bike trails branch out from. Ride a metal forestry road up to a Manuka-covered ridge before arcing back down to a small creek crossing. Advanced riders can opt for a small downhill technical section before re-joining the main track or extend their ride by gunning up the offshoot tracks like Pypers Peak, Split Ens or Graeme’s Grind, not for the faint hearted!
The Northern Coromandel Loop Ride - 80kms
(Intermediate to Advanced – Level 3 or 5 in parts)
Start your ride from the little village of Colville and bike 46kms of gravel road to remote Stony Bay and the start of one of the most epic bike trails Coromandel has to offer. Follow the signs to the start of the Mountainbike Track which involves a steep 500m climb. This grunty effort will reveal breath-taking views of the Northern Pinnacles, Great Barrier, blissful sandy beaches and the Pacific Ocean, before 5-kilometres of downhill thrills before pausing in Fletcher Bay. This part of the ride demands a good level of fitness and technical skill with giant climbs, sheer drop-offs and sharp corners, so be prepared to dismount and push or carry your bike in parts. The last part of the trip, a 36km gravel ride back to Colville is a stunning way to finish the day as it passes right beside the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. Please note the Coastal Walkway is closed at one end leaving it inaccessible for bikers hoping to complete the Northern loop Ride. You will need to take the more advanced Mountainbike Track.
If you are looking for a shorter day then consider joining the Port Jackson Shuttle. This departs from Colville and will drop both you and your bike at Port Jackson. Explore at your leisure before biking back to Colville via the coast road beside the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. In total a gravel ride of up to 42kms, over a quiet road in what is proving to be a not-to-be-missed location.
Either way, plan a cycling holiday or short break on the beautiful Coromandel and discover stunning sights on a bike. Ask the team at Hike and Bike for motel or farm stay recommendations and the best things to do including the best places to eat Coromandel mussels and seafood. They’re only too happy to help.
