A public ride led by Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ulmer celebrates the offical opening of the country's newest cycle trail, the Hauraki Trail, through the Karangahake Gorge on Saturday.

Associate Tourism Minister Chris Tremain, Hauraki District Council Mayor John Tregida and Sarah will take part in the opening celebrations beginning at 12.30pm, followed by the first `Great Ride' leaving from the Victoria Battery at Waikino at 2pm.

Karangahake Gorge. Photo: Hauraki Rail Trail.

The longest ride on the day is 12km to the Victoria Tunnel, returning to Victoria Battery by 3.15pm.

This first 7km section of the Hauraki Rail Trail between the Karangahake Hall and the Waikino Café had its beginnings in January 2011 when the Hauraki District Council and Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail project signed the contract to build the trail, which is to become one of 18 great rides throughout the country.

The New Zealand Cycle Trail project was been created to generate lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for New Zealand communities by developing a network of world-class cycling experiences.

Eventually the Hauraki trail will be 77km long, following the path of two historic railway lines running from Thames to Paeroa and Paeroa to Waikino, and then along a new path to Waihi.

It will also include a leg from Paeroa to Te Aroha. Cyclists will pass through scenic countryside, steeped in early New Zealand history as well as wetlands and other areas of ecological significance.

Highlights include the chance to ride through the stunning Karangahake Gorge and visit the historic gold mining town on Waihi.

Stage 2 of the proposed cycle trail will be a leg from Kaiaua to Thames. This work will be planned for after the completion of stage 1.

'The Hauraki Rail Trail will offer an outstanding cycling experience, it will boost economic development and tourism opportunities, provide employment, and offer a healthy recreation facility for both locals and visitors,” John Tregidga says.

'Our local businesses have now got the chance to exercise their entrepreneurial skills and make the most of the opportunity this new investment in our region presents.”

Entry to the Hauraki Rail Trail is free and there will be spot prizes and everyone, even those who don't complete the full distance, will be in the draw for a $1200 mountain bike. The trail is grade one, so is ideal for the whole family.

The Hauraki Rail Trail Grand Opening: Saturday May 5 12.30pm to 4.30pm. For more information visit http://www.haurakirailtrail.co.nz

Although it's not yet complete, parts of the Hauraki Rail Trail are now open for riding. They are Paeroa to Te Aroha, Paeroa to Waikino, along the Paeroa stop bank and Paeroa to Hikutaia.

Riding from Paeroa to Te Aroha, or from Paeroa to Karangahake Gorge, Waikino, the best starting point is The L&P Café/Information Centre in Paeroa on Highway 2 from Auckland.
The track starts just across the road from where it heads South one kilometre towards Highway 26, Te Aroha Road turning right to cross over the Ohinemuri River bridge towards Te Aroha.
The trail to the Karangahake Gorge/Waikino Railway Station, turns left onto Rotokohu Road over the Ohinemuri bridge. The route to Te Aroha, also crosses the Ohinemuri bridge, and follows the trail straight ahead all the way to Te Aroha.