Hauraki Rail Trail
Following disused railway lines between old gold-mining settlements along the Shorebird Coast south of Auckland, this trail links the historic towns of Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi and Matamata (home to Hobbiton, a must-do for The Lord of the Rings fans). It can be completed over four to five days or just do a day-ride – try Karangahake Gorge with its thrilling 1100-metre railway tunnel and gold-mining relics.
Image credit: Tim Cuff
