Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
11am-3pm Sun)
Young 'uns will enjoy the 900m loop ride on this cute-
(Brown St; tickets $2;
as-a-button train.
Canyonz
( 0800 422 696;
www.canyonz.co.nz
; trips $360)
All-day canyoning trips to the Sleeping God
Canyon in the Kauaeranga Valley. Expect a vertical descent of over 300m, requiring ab-
seiling, water-sliding and jumping. Trips leave from Thames at 8.30am, and 7am pick-ups
from Hamilton are also available. Note that Thames is only 90 minutes' drive from central
Auckland, so with your own transport a day trip from Auckland is possible.
CANYONING
Eyez Open
( 07-868 9018;
www.eyezopen.co.nz
)
Rents out bikes ($30 per day) and organises small-group
cycling tours of the Coromandel Peninsula (one- to three-day tours from $150 to $660).
CYCLING
Paki Paki Bike Shop
MAP
BICYCLE RENTAL
GOOGLE MAP
( 07-867 9026; 535 Pollen St; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 1pm Sat)
Rents out bikes ($25 per day) and per-
forms repairs.
Sleeping
Sunkist Backpackers
( 07-868 8808;
www.sunkistbackpackers.com
;
506 Brown St; dm $26-29, s/d $55/70; )
This hostel in a
character-filled 1860s heritage building has spacious dorms and a sunny garden. It also of-
fers 4WD and car hire and shuttles to the Kauaeranga Valley ($35 return). Bikes can also
be hired and shuttle transport arranged if you're keen on exploring the Hauraki Rail Trail.
HOSTEL
$
Gateway Backpackers
MAP
HOSTEL
$
GOOGLE MAP
( 07-868 6339;
overend@xtra.co.nz
;
209 Mackay St; dm $25-27, s $53, d $62-72; )
Generations of Kiwis
grew up in state houses just like this, giving this relaxed, friendly hostel a homely feel.
Bathrooms are in short supply but there are pleasant rooms, a nice garden and free laundry
facilities.
