Experience fresh air and golden landscapes on an autumn cycling adventure in New Zealand. New Zealand offers some of the most stunning and exciting bike trails, perfect for exploring in Autumn when the temperature is just right for an active holiday. Start in Paeroa, cruise along the Hauraki Rail Trail and wind through the Karangahake Gorge with its cliffs, tunnels, and clear waters.
We’ll guide you through the best biking in New Zealand for the autumn season, ideal for those chasing scenic routes without busy summer crowds. With long open trails weaving through farmland, gorges, and heritage spots, there’s no better time to hop on two wheels. Whether you're new to biking or a seasoned cyclist, these routes will have you planning that next big ride.
Why Autumn is One of the Best Times to Cycle in New Zealand
When days start to cool and the leaves start to change, biking through parts of New Zealand is truly the best way to see what the country has to offer. Autumn delivers a sweet spot between the heat of summer and the rain of winter. Mild daytime temperatures make it comfortable to stay moving for hours. With summer holidays over, crowds start to thin out, leaving the trails quieter and more peaceful. This is the perfect time for long rides with fewer stops and more open space. The clear autumn skies and colourful autumnal landscapes make it a special time to discover the scenery these trails have to offer.
Top Scenic Autumn Bike Rides: Hauraki Rail Trail
Known for its towering L&P bottle and laid-back vibe, Paeroa is the perfect starting point for your first bike ride. Snap a photo by the iconic landmark, stretch your legs and get set for one of the best bike rides in New Zealand, the Hauraki Rail Trail.
The Hauraki Rail Trail is a 160km Grade 1 (Easiest) cycleway that follows historic railway lines across the Coromandel, Hauraki, and Waikato regions. It’s divided into five distinct sections, allowing riders to complete the entire trail over multiple days or choose just one stretch for a shorter adventure. You’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, farmland, riverside paths, gorges, and old mining towns, making it one of the most diverse and accessible trails in the country.
We recommend beginning in Paeroa and cycling towards Waihi, a particularly scenic and beginner-friendly route. This leg of the trail travels alongside the Ohinemuri River, across swing bridges and through the historic Karangahake Gorge, offering views that feel even more special with the colours of autumn in full display.
This Paeroa-to-Waihi section of the Hauraki Rail Trail is roughly 24km long, with plenty of rest areas, picnic spots, and information boards along the way. Towns such as Waihi, Waikino, and Karangahake provide options for food and accommodation, making it easy to plan your ride around short stays or relaxed overnight stops. Whether you tackle one section or plan a multi-day ride across the full network, the Hauraki Rail Trail promises wide open paths, gentle gradients, and an unforgettable autumn biking experience. Head out from Paeroa and enjoy the stunning autumn scenery.
Local Tip: Stop by the old railway station in Waikino for a coffee and a slice of homemade carrot cake.
Ride the Karangahake Gorge
Karangahake Gorge, with tall cliffs and clear waters, feels like something pulled from a different world. This section of the Hauraki Trail ride offers unique scenery and a touch of history as the trail runs through remnants of New Zealand’s gold mining history with rusted machinery, abandoned buildings, and moss-covered tunnels.
The Karangahake Gorge can be found along the way from Paeroa to Waihi. This trail winds beneath rocky walls, across swing bridges and beside the rushing Ohinemuri River. The highlight is a one-kilometre railway tunnel. Dimly lit and echoing with other cyclists, it offers a surreal moment of quiet before emerging back into the light. The trail leads through New Zealand native bush, past waterfalls and across historic bridges. Pause at scenic lookouts or rest in the picnic spots tucked away for a quick break before finishing the rest of the route.
Local Tip: Pack a headlamp for the Karangahake Tunnel.
Relax and Recover: Te Aroha Hot Pools
After a full day on the trail, make time to wind down in the peaceful town of Te Aroha. Nestled at the foot of Mount Te Aroha, the hot springs are the best spot for cyclists along the Hauraki trail needing a relaxing break. Their natural mineral water flows at a gentle and warm temperature, perfect for soothing tired legs and muscles. The pools are surrounded by serene gardens and mountain views. Visiting Te Aroha hot pools is a truly peaceful experience.
After you’ve finished relaxing at the hot pools, stroll through the quiet streets or visit a nearby café for something to eat. You’ll feel rested, recharged, and ready for the trip back. Whether heading back to the city or continuing down the island, Te Aroha offers an ideal stop or finishing point on your autumn biking adventure.
Local Tip: For the ultimate relaxation, book a private spa and soak under the open sky.
Rental Tips: Bikes, Cars and Autumn Essentials
Planning a ride without your own bike? No problem. You can find bike hire services in Paeroa, Waihi, and nearby towns, making gearing up easy. Many operators offer everything from helmets to trailers for kids, plus local insight into trail conditions and scenic detours worth taking. You can also find a range of different bike hire options from regular bikes to e-bikes and mountain bikes, making it easy to get the right gear for your riding level. We recommend picking up your bike hire in Paeroa if you and beginning the Hauraki Rail Trail here.
Whether you’re visiting New Zealand or a local traveller coming from outside of Paeroa, there are many affordable and comfortable rental car options to get you down to the starting line. With Mode Rental car pick-up locations at Auckland Airport and Auckland CBD, it’s easy to head to Paeroa from the airport if you’re flying into Auckland or living near the city. You can find a range of rental vehicle options that suit your group, whether that's a rental van for families or a comfortable rental SUV for smaller groups heading on the trail.
Before heading on the road, make sure you’ve planned for the autumn weather, packing extra clothing layers that keep you cosy in the crisp mornings and that you can take off as the sun gets warmer around midday. We also recommend taking reusable water bottles, plenty of snacks and a lightweight rain jacket. If you want to be extra prepared, you can even bring basic bike tools like a pump. Having the right gear and transportation makes exploring the Hauraki Rail Trail an easy and relaxing adventure.
Weather Conditions and Safety Tips for Autumn Biking
New Zealand’s autumn weather brings clear skies but cooler air, especially near river valleys and shaded forest trails. Start rides mid-morning to avoid chilly starts and finish before early evening light fades. Be sure to check the trail conditions before heading out, especially after rain. Karangahake Gorge can get slippery in damp weather, so check the weather or take the trail at a slightly slower pace after the rain. Pack a light jacket, wear layers, and bring lights or a torch for tunnel sections if you are a less confident cyclist. Carry your phone, a paper map and tell someone your route. While most of these trails are well marked, mobile reception may drop in parts of the gorge. Respect the trails, share the path, and you will have the best cycling experience along the Hauraki Trail and Karangahake Gorge.
Plan Your Autumn Bike Ride Adventure
Cycling through golden valleys, historical villages and beside stunning rivers, autumn biking in New Zealand turns quiet trails into unforgettable adventures. From Paeroa’s rolling farmland to the geological wonder of Karangahake Gorge and the peaceful retreat of Te Aroha, every section of the Hauraki trail offers something new. Cycling through one of New Zealand’s best trails is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the country in a unique way. With rental bikes and easy rental vehicle pick-up options in Auckland, getting to your chosen starting point of the Hauraki Rail Trail is easy. This bike ride is also suitable for a range of ages and biking experiences, making it a great option for family holidays and group adventures.
Ready for crisp air, quiet trails and hot pools waiting at the finish line? Plan your route, grab your bike and start the ride of a lifetime.
Book your car rental using code AUTUMN5 before April 30, 2025, and get 5% off any rental in May or June. That means more road trips for less!
