The route between Hamilton and Cambridge is full of variety! You’ll pass through native bat colonies, traverse gullies, cross bridges and elevated boardwalks amidst plenty of civilisation and coffee opportunities!
Hamilton Gardens to Tamahere Village
Distance: 7.5km
Difficulty: Grade 1-2
Highlights: Hammond Park indigenous forest (and native bats), Hammond Park playground (for the littlies), Wooden truss bridge over the Mangaharakeke Stream, long elevated boardwalks – all moments from the city and civilisation of coffee shops at Tamahere or Hamilton!
Notes: Dismount section through Hammond Park! Look out for native bats!
Access/Parking: Hamilton Gardens, Tamahere Village
Tamahere Village to Hooker Rd
Distance: 8.5km
Difficulty: Grade 1
Highlights: Tamahere Skate Park and Cafes. Tamahere Country Club Cafe
Notes: Starting at Tamahere Village to the end of Hooker Rd, this is a dead flat roadside section alongside quiet country roads.
Access/Parking: Tamahere Village
Hooker Rd to Velodrome to Gaslight Theatre
Distance: Hooker Rd to Velodrome, 7.5km
Velodrome to Gaslight Theatre, 3.5km
Difficulty: Grade 2-3
Highlights: River views, boardwalks, bridges, picnic stops and the world class Grassroots Trust Velodrome in Cambridge!
Notes: This is the most challenging stretch of Te Awa. Loads of up and downs. Take plenty of water with you and enjoy the views along with the physical challenge
Access/Parking: Gaslight Theatre, Velodrome
Cambridge CBD Route
Distance: 4km
Difficulty: Grade 2
Highlights: Boutique shops, cracker cafes and restaurants, village green for a breather – definitely take time to mooch around the Home of Champions!
Notes: This short section takes you through the vibrant town of Cambridge on some of the town’s world-class urban cycling infrastructure. Starting at Gaslight Theatre, you will be on a separated two-way cycle lane to and through Cambridge town. A very short (but quiet) on road section at the end along Wordsworth Street, then you pick Te Awa up again at the Leamington Rugby Club on Carlisle Street, Leamington Cambridge.
