Cycle Escapes' favourite trails

Some of our favourite cycle trails listed from easy to challenging (maps download from links):

Waihi's Heart of Gold Ride. 4 hours min

Discover the gold mining history of Waihi.These trails will take you into Waihi Town's gold mining past. Ride the Pit rim trail and watch the huge machines working below. Pedal through the native bush clad trails on the edge of town where the relics of industry now stand quiet in the trees. Explore the old shafts and tunnels. Stop for a leisurely coffee as you cruise through town. Information photo panels along the way showcase the highlights, your map will keep you on track. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eRFwxUF4C8TZSBqhcA4Sngvqo_YwQNJ2KPr63QLmoPc/edit?hl=en&pli=1&authkey=CP-agiI#The

Railway Ride. 4 hours min

We will drop your bikes off at the Waihi train station where you will be taken in grand style on the vintage train through the countryside and across highway and river bridges to the historic Waikino Station and Cafe where the tracks end and the railway becomes a cycleway through the Karangahake Gorge. The trail follows the turbulent Ohinemuri River and then runs through a 1 kilometer railway tunnel and across the main highway on a massive steel girder bridge. There are other rides that discover the gold mining history of the gorge as your map will show , but the railway ride continues on from here to the town of Paeroa in the north, 7km away. From there you can continue to Thames in the north or veer West and make your way to the quaint town of TeAroha with its hot soda spas and gold mining relics https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f7_tratu_qTS5CAgTswk0BjZP44_uv2eI-8IGBKxubM/edit?hl=en#

Wairongomai Valley. 5 hours min

This long steep sided valley was the scene of a massive gold rush in 1881. Many hundreds of men worked here and suffered hard lives searching for the elusive reefs of gold bearing quartz. Today you can explore old tunnels (bring a torch!) and see cave wetas and glow worms. Many relics of the goldmining industry lay in the long grass of this forgotten valley. This is an awesome spot for a quiet picnic. 2 kilometres back down the road you will find the hot soda baths where you can soak away your cares at the end of your ride, before we pick you up and drive you back to your accommodation.https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UYOORG5BK8oloL5POq6GmD4RUqDAWun-fpzUeim-Ugk/edit?hl=en#

The Summit Plummet! 4 hours

We drop you at the top of Dickeys Flat Road and you will descend to the valley below and then follow the Waitawheta River, crossing suspension bridges and climbing up the backbone of Karangahake Mountain to the old Dubbo Mine. Then choose either a 4 or a long 7 kilometre downhill using a variety of marked trails and gravel roads before hitting Scotsman's Gully and some tight twisties and another swaying cable bridge that ends at the Karangahake Carpark and tearooms where we will pick you up and haul you and you mates up to the Waikino Tavern for a cold beer.https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f7_tratu_qTS5CAgTswk0BjZP44_uv2eI-8IGBKxubM/edit?hl=en#

TopotheWorld. 5 hours min

Te Aroha Mountain is the highest peak for miles around, we will set you on your way from Te Aroha town and you climb the 972 metres in just 5 kilometers. That's the chore.- the reward is views that make you feel like a parachutist! The patchwork of the Waikato region is layed out before you and the 360 degree panorama also takes in the peaks of the central plateau, the Huntly power station and even Auckland's Skytower on a clear day! The ride down is an absolutely eye streaming, brake smoking scream from top to bottom on the access road or highly technical and scenic on the bush route. Its your ride- you've got the map! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_sTffVS_iGVThL5z6HVHOkzB2SDaltnG53vHc5PJEGk/edit?hl=en#

Beach Assault.

Hidden in the pine covered hills above Waihi Beach is a private MTB park designed and built by dedicated thrill seekers. The views are distracting but the trails are groomed, fast and bermed! Ride all day here and get a free paintball game too for just $70. We will pick you up when you're done.

The Gold Discovery Ride. 3 hours min

14 Kilometres of rocks, drops and bogs! - you even get to ride your bikes underground. This place is riddled with old tunnels and wild pigs- remember- they are more scared of you -than you are of them. The map will show you some good tunnels to explore - or find your own! Follow the clues to find the buried beer!- TRUE! 4 hours min Map Link