Matamata-Piako District between Cycle Trails and History

In Matamata-Piako District, purpose-built mountain bike trails meet riverbanks, wetlands and historic sites. When planning your trip, it’s worth first comparing the experiences on offer: are you looking for varied cycling routes, short walks through nature, or traces of regional history?

Cycling on a variety of trails

Te Miro Mountain Bike Park offers more than 27 kilometres of purpose-built trails through native bush, pine forest and rolling farmland. The landscape changes along the trails; check current trail conditions before setting out. The Te Aroha mountain bike trail also offers several options: it is designed as a one-way loop, with additional more challenging sections through bushland, past waterfalls and small streams, as well as fast descents. This means you can choose between a route through varied landscapes and more challenging options.

The Hauraki Rail Trail offers a different kind of ride. This Grade 1 cycle trail connects Matamata, Te Aroha, Paeroa, Waihi, Thames and Kaiaua and is suitable for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. This sets it apart from the more challenging options on the Te Aroha trail: the cycle trail is explicitly graded as easy, while additional challenges are part of the offering there. Conditions on the Rail Trail can also change; it’s worth checking the current trail status before your ride.

River walks, wetlands and bushland

The Morrinsville River Walk connects sections of Waitukaruru Stream and the Piako River. The route includes a 45-metre suspension bridge as well as opportunities to spot waterbirds. Access restrictions apply to some sections; take these into account when planning your walk. The Wetlands Walk, by contrast, is a loop through the Howarth Memorial Wetlands, a wildlife sanctuary. You can choose between a walk alongside waterways and a loop through a wildlife sanctuary for two different nature experiences.

The short Hawes Bush Walk passes through a stand of mature kahikatea. The remaining native forest in the park is considered ecologically significant. At Neil Algar Reserve, the trail is flat and follows a gravel path. There is also a short path to Mokena Geyser, a natural soda-water geyser. These descriptions give an idea of the variety of trails in the district, which do not all feature the same terrain or focus.

The Whakapipi, or Bald Spur, track leads to Whakapipi Lookout, about a third of the way along the summit track. From there, views extend over Te Aroha, the Waihou River and the wetlands. It’s advisable to check trail conditions before setting out, as temporary storm damage may affect them. The Tui Domain Track passes through bushland and shallow mountain streams; historic remains such as reservoirs, pipelines and mine shafts lie along the way. The trail to Tutumangao Falls is partially closed. Check the current trail status before setting out.

History and art in the district

In Waiorongomai Valley, you’ll find the Piako County Tramway, New Zealand’s oldest bush tramway; its original rails are still in place. Near Matamata stands Firth Tower, built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth as a lookout tower over the surrounding landscape. If you’d like to include several historic sites in your plans, the Matamata-Piako District Heritage Trail connects Matamata, Te Aroha and Morrinsville. Along the way, the trail visits historically significant sites.

In Morrinsville, the Gallery presents New Zealand art by local and national artists across four exhibition spaces. The exhibition programme may change. Te Aroha Mineral Spas are also part of the district’s history: they opened in 1980 and offered modern spa pools with thermal soda water. If you’re planning a visit, confirm opening and access before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Te Aroha West, Te Aroha, Te Poi, Morrinsville, Matamata, Hauraki District, Waikato District, Taupo District.

For the broader travel overview: Waikato.