More than 27 kilometres of hand-built trails wind through native bush, pine forest and rolling farmland at Te Miro Mountain Bike Park. This variety alone makes cycling in Matamata-Piako District diverse: the Hauraki Rail Trail also connects places in the region, including Matamata and Te Aroha. History and nature offer further discoveries alongside the cycle trails.
Cycle trails with different highlights
At Te Miro Mountain Bike Park, bush, pine forest and rolling farmland alternate along the trails. In Te Aroha, the mountain bike track is a one-way loop. Additional, more challenging options pass through bushland, by waterfalls and small streams, and include fast descents. The two offerings therefore have different landscape and trail-character highlights. Trail conditions may change temporarily at both mountain biking locations; check before setting out.
The Hauraki Rail Trail offers a different setting for a cycling trip: it is a Grade 1 cycle trail, connecting Matamata, Te Aroha, Paeroa, Waihi, Thames and Kaiaua, and is considered suitable for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. The Te Aroha–Matamata section is listed as 37 kilometres long, with an estimated duration of two to four hours, but is also marked “coming soon”. Check the current status of this section before planning your trip.
Local history and art
The Matamata-Piako District Heritage Trail links Matamata, Te Aroha and Morrinsville, taking visitors to historically significant places along the way. It provides a thematic thread for exploring the three towns. Near Matamata, Firth Tower was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth as a lookout tower over the surrounding landscape. The Waiorongomai Valley is home to the Piako County Tramway, New Zealand’s oldest bush tramway; its original rails are still in place.
Morrinsville Gallery also offers its own cultural highlight: it presents New Zealand art by local and national artists in four exhibition spaces. As the programme changes over time, it’s worth checking the current exhibitions before visiting.
Walking trails, water and forest
The Morrinsville River Walk links sections of Waitukaruru Stream and the Piako River, crosses a 45-metre suspension bridge and offers opportunities for birdwatching. Some sections have access restrictions. At Howarth Memorial Wetlands, the Wetlands Walk is a loop track through a wildlife sanctuary. The short loop of the Hawes Bush Walk passes through mature kahikatea forest; the remaining native forest in the park is considered ecologically significant. At Neil Algar Reserve, a flat gravel path leads through the grounds.
The Tui Domain Track passes through bushland and by shallow mountain streams. Historical remains along the way include reservoirs, pipelines and mine shafts. The track to Tutumangao Falls is partially closed. If you’re interested in a short walk to a distinctive natural feature, you could also visit Mokena Geyser, a natural soda-water geyser.
The Whakapipi Track, also known as Bald Spur, leads to Whakapipi Lookout and covers about a third of the route to the summit. From the lookout, views extend across Te Aroha, the Waihou River and the wetlands. Storm damage may affect trail conditions; check conditions before setting out.
A historic spa town
Te Aroha Mineral Spas opened in 1980, offering modern spa pools with thermal soda water. If you’re planning to visit the spas, confirm current operating hours and access in advance.
Places in Matamata-Piako District: Te Aroha West, Te Aroha, Morrinsville, Matamata, Te Poi.
Discover more destinations: Hamilton City, Otorohanga District, South Waikato District.
Return to the regional travel overview: Waikato.
