Bicycling

Hauraki Rail Trail. Join the many Kiwi families discovering this new, gently graded 82-km (51-mile) bike trail. It starts from Thames, crosses Hauraki Plains farmland to Paeroa, then follows the old railway line through scenic Karangahake Gorge to Waihi. Heritage gold-mine sites, bridges, and tunnels are part of the drama, so bring a torch. Take a break at a country café, camp, or stopover at a B&B en route. You can even ride the Goldfields Railway train along with your bike for the final stretch. This trail is one of the New Zealand Cycle Trails’ "Great Rides." Karangahake Gorge, Waikato, 3674. 07/868--5140; www.haurakiRailTrail.co.nz.