The Te Awa River trail runs from Ngaruawahia (in the north) to Lake Karapiro (in the south) and offers a variety of physical activity for everyone. You can bike it, walk it, skate it, ride your mobility scooter (if that is what you do), or even push your children/grandchildren in a pushchair if required. I’m writing about the section from Waikato University to Ngaruawahia – this is one of my favourite off road rides.
The majority of this trail is on a 3 m wide concrete path on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, where the scenery and views are constantly changing. You ride through the suburbs, parks, along side lifestyle blocks and farmland. I think it is quite beautiful and a pure delight to explore and let your mind wonder! 
I love riding my mountain bike along the various cycle trails starting and ending at my home here in Matangi. It’s a 60km return ride. The only time I’m on a road is from Matangi to Waikato University. You can join the trail in a variety of places throughout Hamilton city. Check out this Hamilton City website for additional information. Recently many new sign posts have been installed on paths around the city guiding users to suburbs and the distances – thank you Hamilton City Council.
According to one website the section from Horotiu Bridge to Ngaruawahia is the most popular. Perhaps that is because you cross the mighty Waikato River over the stunning Perry Group sponsored bridge and travel past the Ngaruawahia golf course. I rode the trail once around ANZAC Day – what a beautiful surprise. There were 1,000’s of crocheted and knitted red poppies pinned to the fence lines and stuck on top posts on the edge of the trail; it was a sight to be seen – amazing (sorry no photograph, the day I rode it was pouring with rain). The local RSA members had crocheted and knitted these poppies.
There are many information panels along the trail that are informative and you may learn new things about the river, history and surrounding area.
Ngaruawahia does need a good coffee stop (I do believe one is in the construction/fitting out stage). At present BP service station seems to be the only place to get a reasonable coffee; they also offer a wide variety of food options. Of course you could take a picnic and enjoy that along the way with friends/family.
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences if you had done this fabulous “in our backyard trail”. As already mentioned, there is “something for everyone” – give it a go! Till next time – Goldcard Gal! 🙂
Thank you for your detailed description of the ride. I have been on most of it but tell me can you ride from Hamilton to Cambridge without going on the expressway or a minor road? I normally go through Matangi and then down Lee Martin Road to Bruntwood to avoid the main road. Happy trails.
Thanks for your comments Neville. No, you ride part of the way on a cycle trail and rest of the way on side roads. You start at Tamahere, ride past the church and go to end of Tamahere Drive, which then goes under expressway and you follow the sign posts. It’s a nice ride without much traffic. If you have any rides/runs/tramps you want to write about and share, I’d be happy to post them?
Thank you. Yes I agree it is a nice ride and you can go down Newell Road to get to Tamahere. Kind regards
Heather this blog was great. Plenty of information to wet people’s appetite. Love the graphics on the p[age.
Thank you Denise. It’s a fabulous ride – may you soon get to ride it all!! 🙂