There’s something special about that first overnighter – the mix of nerves, freedom, and the simple question every first-timer asks: Can I actually do this?
About two years ago, I (Andrew) had that exact feeling setting off with my two kids, aged five and seven, to tackle the Hauraki Rail Trail – our first family overnighter. Fast forward to now, and the chance to test the new Velduro Phantom e-gravel bike felt like the perfect excuse to return. This time, I brought along Steph, who recently joined the aeroe team, for her first overnight adventure.
It was my first time e-bikepacking, Steph’s first overnight ride, and our first proper taste of the gravel life.
Here’s how it went down — and why the Hauraki Rail Trail remains one of the best places in New Zealand to head out on your own e-gravel bikepacking adventure.
Plus, discover:
- Our top-tips for planning your first overnighter
- Our gear check for the Hauraki Rail Trail
- Our impressions on the Velduro Phantom X e-Gravel
The Hauraki Rail Trail: Our Route
Part of New Zealand’s Great Rides network, the Hauraki Rail Trail is one of the North Island’s most popular cycling trails – and for good reason. It’s flat, friendly, and rich in history, making it perfect for anyone testing out their first e-gravel or bikepacking setup.
The Rail Trail is broken into five sections, and we planned to cover three of them. Rather than push on all the way to Thames and Kaiaua, we decided to make the most of our e-bikes – overnighting at the Waikino Hotel Bar & Kitchen (between Paeroa and Waihi), before retracing our steps back quickly to the car on the second day. With time for a hot swim at Opal Springs in Matamata at the end, before returning to work – the perfect little mid-week micro-adventure.
Day 1: Matamata to Waikino
We began our adventure in Matamata, the rolling farmland and Hobbiton-adjacent starting point for the full 160 km of the Hauraki Rail Trail.
The first sections of the ride offered a gentle introduction to the trail, weaving through farmland and quiet country roads en route to Te Aroha, then onward to Paeroa for a quick L&P to refresh ourselves.
Soon after, the trail narrows and climbs slightly into the iconic Karangahake Gorge (~50–60 km mark). This section is one of the most photogenic on the trail, with towering cliffs, dense bush, swing bridges, and relics of New Zealand’s gold-mining past. The gorge was once a hive of activity during the late 1800s and early 1900s, with miners working the quartz reefs to extract gold.
Riding through the gorge’s 1 km tunnel with headlamps on was a real highlight! Emerging on the other side of the tunnel to impressive views of the Ohinemuri River that winds its way through the gorge.
A short detour brought us to Victoria Battery. Constructed in 1897, it was the largest gold ore crushing batteries in New Zealand. Walking among the structures that remain, gives a real sense of the scale and ingenuity required to keep Waihi’s gold boom running. Nearby Owharoa Falls offers a quieter moment to pause and soak in the natural beauty of the gorge, balancing the industrial history with lush forest scenery.
By late afternoon, we rolled into Waikino (~85 km), where cold beers at the Waikino Hotel Bar & Kitchen awaited. Established in the early 1900s to serve the local railway and mining communities, the newly restored Hotel Bar & Kitchen retains its rustic charm, with timber walls, a welcoming hearth, and relics of the golden mining era adorning every corner. It’s long been a meeting point for locals and travellers alike, offering hearty meals, cold drinks, and a place to share stories after a long day on the trail. Spending the night here gave us the chance to recharge both our e-bike batteries and ourselves. Relaxing over dinner and reflecting on the day’s ride, with the sounds of the river in the background – not a bad way to wrap up an epic day!
Day 2: Waikino to Matamata
The following morning, we woke refreshed – our e-bike batteries fully charged and after a quick bite to eat we were ready to go. We had a slightly different agenda for Day Two — work and commitments were waiting for us back in Tauranga, so we couldn’t linger on the trail like the day before. But rather than feeling rushed, this was exactly where the Velduro Phantom e-gravel bike shone.
Setting off, we retraced our route through the familiar scenery of Karangahake Gorge, appreciating the gorge in the morning light. Having seen the tunnels, swing bridges, and gold-mining relics the day before, we could now ride more fluidly, letting the e-bike assist carry us along at a faster pace.
The gravel tyres and stable geometry made it easy to zip past farmland and bush sections, while still giving us the chance to pause and take in the river views and morning sunlight spilling across the cliffs.
A short stop in Paeroa for another L&P and a pie before the final stretch. From here, it was a steady push back through Te Aroha to Matamata, past quiet farms, small bridges, and winding country roads. The e-bike made it almost playful to cruise along, allowing us to enjoy the scenery at a faster pace without tiring.
Finally, we returned to Matamata, our car waiting and a hot soak at Opal Springs ahead. Opal Springs is a hidden gem just outside town, offering naturally heated mineral pools – the perfect way to wrap up our adventure, and a nice wee reset before heading back to the office for the afternoon.
Reflecting on the two days, riding the Hauraki Rail Trail on an e-gravel bike felt like having the best of both worlds.
Day One allowed us to soak in every detail of the gorge, heritage sites, and villages at a relaxed pace.
While Day Two showcased how the e-bike’s power and the versatile gravel setup could make the return ride efficient, fun, and still scenic.
E-Bikepacking: What is it & why is it growing?
E-bikepacking blends two revolutions: electric assist and adventure cycling. It’s the same spirit of bikepacking – exploring off the beaten path and carrying what you need. But, with an extra boost that opens up distance, terrain, and makes it more inclusive than ever before.
You don’t have to be super fit or seasoned. You can ride further, see more, and still have energy for that sunset photo or camp setup. It’s perfect for those juggling busy lives, new to riding, or mixed groups where not everyone rides at the same pace.
Globally, e-bike sales now outpace standard bikes in some markets, and adventure-ready E-Gravel bikes are the latest frontier — sleek, light, and built for the terrain that make up the heart of New Zealand’s Great Rides.
E-Bikepacking: Overnighter Prep
A little preparation goes a long way – these tips from our Hauraki mission will help you plan for your first e-bikepacking adventure.
A few learnings from our Hauraki mission:
1. Plan your charge
Most e-gravel bikes like the Velduro Phantom 1000W will easily handle 60–80 km on mixed terrain. Still, check your route for power stops — cafes, campsites, or motels. Don't forget to pack your charger!
2. Keep it simple
A single night means light packing: a change of clothes, toothbrush, charger, tools, and snacks. Skip the luxuries.
Pro tip: Consider booking a place where you can stay and eat along the way (like we did) — it’ll save you the hassle (and weight) of carrying camping gear and all your food.
3. Check weather and trail conditions
Even Grade 1–2 trails can turn rough in rain. The Karangahake Gorge can get slick, so watch for moss and shadows in tunnels. It’s always a good idea to carry an extra layer & wet weather gear.
4. Secure your gear well
Use bike racks designed for stability & mixed terrain. Our bike rack and carrier system is built to play rough – making it easy to carry gear securely, especially on e-gravel bikes, that handle a bit of everything.
Andrews Gear Check:
Andrew rode the new Velduro Phantom X e-Gravel bike – powered by a 1000W DJI Avinox drive system (more on this below). To carry the essentials, he used our Spider Handlebar Cradle + 8L Heavy Duty Dry Bag up front – an ideal choice for drop bars where most other solutions are either too wide, not stable, or rub on the head tube. On the back he opted for our Spider Rear Rack + 8L Heavy Duty Dry Bag. He's kitted out in Mons Royale's Merino Long Sleeve Bike Jersey & Trail Pants, from their new Diversion Range.
Steph's Gear Check:
Steph rode the Velduro Phantom S e-Commuter bike – also powered by a DJI Avinox drive system. To carry her gear, she used our Spider Handlebar Cradle + 8L Heavy Duty Dry Bag up front and our Spider Rear Rack + 12L Heavy Duty Dry Bag on the back. She's kitted out in Mons Royale's Merino Long Sleeve Bike Jersey & Trail Pants, from their new Diversion Range.
E-Gravel: The Future of Adventure
The E-Gravel category is exploding — combining the range and power of e-road bikes with the versatility of gravel. You get drop-bar efficiency, stable geometry, and clearance for wide tires — all with assist that makes headwinds and climbs disappear.
These bikes are changing who rides and how far they go. It’s not about replacing effort – it’s about extending adventure. You still pedal, sweat, and earn the views – but now you can add extra kilometres, extra gear, or extra company.
Impressions of the Velduro Phantom X e-Gravel
The Velduro Phantom X e-Gravel feels purpose-built for this style of adventure. The 1000W Avinox system offers intuitive assist that responds instantly to pedal input, while the carbon frame and wide tires keep it stable and smooth across mixed surfaces.
Even loaded with gear, handling remained predictable. The range was impressive — over 70 km on a single charge with plenty left in reserve. It’s light enough to ride unpowered, quiet enough to forget it’s electric, and powerful enough to make steep pinches fun.
It’s not a commuter in disguise – it’s a proper gravel adventure bike with power that enhances, not replaces, the experience.
If you’ve been curious about bikepacking but hesitant to jump in, an e-gravel overnighter on the Hauraki Rail Trail might just be the perfect way to dip your toes in.
It’s approachable, scenic, and rewarding without being intimidating. Add a modern e-gravel bike like the Velduro Phantom + our bike rack and carrier system, and you’ve got everything you need for an epic couple days of adventure.
Photography by: Rachel Hadfield