Trek information
A longer introduction to activate the visitor into understanding what is on the page while also boosting keyword density for search and AI discovery
Any urgent information about the trek
Trail info & elevation
Total Distance
75 KmTotal Time
9 - 12 hrs CyclingAbility
Grade 3 | IntermediateTrail Types
Forest | Pumice | River | DirtDescent
29.7km*Elevation
555mClimb
34.8km*Flat
9.1km*About this trek
Set the scene for the trek in a sentence or two: where it starts and finishes, the landscape it moves through and the kind of day it makes for. Name the lake, river, forest or volcanic features visitors will see so the page reads well for people and for search.
Describe the route itself: how the grade and surface change along the way, the main climbs and descents, and any sections that need extra care. Mention the facilities on the trail — toilets, shelters, water, signage — and where the natural rest stops and viewpoints are.
Close with the practical detail that helps visitors commit: the best seasons and time of day, how long to allow, whether shuttles or guides are available, and where to find the latest trail conditions before setting out.
-
Content module > Action modules – Volcanic trek with us
Taupō Region Taupō Region -
Content modules > Basic Spotlight module – Volcanic trek with us
Tongariro National Park Tongariro National Park -
Content module > Action modules – Engage with us
Tūrangi Tūrangi -
Content module > Action modules
Kinloch Kinloch -
Content modules > Basic Spotlight module – Engage with us
Lake Taupō Lake Taupō -
Content modules > Basic Spotlight module
Taupō Town Taupō Town
Templates
Modules
Choose the right section
Match the trek to the least experienced person in your group, and keep a shorter option in mind in case conditions or energy levels change.
Check conditions before you go
Weather around the Taupō district can change quickly. Check the forecast and any trail status alerts on the morning of your trek.
Getting there and parking
Describe the trailheads, parking and shuttle options for this trek, and when they get busy.
Trek within your abilities
Stay within the limits of your experience and the grade of the trail. Do not attempt sections that are beyond your current fitness or skill level.
Below is a guide to trail grades, ability and what the standard is:
| Grade Rating | Technical Ability | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Easiest | Fairly flat, wide, smooth track or gravel road. |
| Grade 2 | Easy | Mostly flat with some gentle climbs on smooth track with easily avoidable obstacles such as rocks and potholes. |
| Grade 3 | Intermediate | Steep slopes and/or avoidable obstacles possibly on narrow track and/or with poor traction. There may be exposure at the track’s outside edge. |
| Grade 4 | Advanced | A mixture of long, steep climbs, narrow track, poor traction and obstacles that are difficult to avoid or jump over. Generally exposed at the track’s outside edge. Most riders will find some sections easier to walk. |
| Grade 5 | Expert | Technically challenging. Giant climbs, narrow track and numerous hazards including dangerous drop-offs, sharp corners and difficult obstacles. Expect walking and possibly bike carrying. |
| Grade 6 | Extreme | Downhill/free ride specific tracks. Extremely steep sections with large drop-offs and other unavoidable obstacles. May include man made structures and jumps. |
Preparation and safety gear
Carry enough water and food for the day, wear sturdy footwear and pack layers for changing weather. Tell someone your intended route and expected return time.
Trail etiquette and environmental respect
Keep to marked tracks, be courteous to other trail users and take all litter with you.
The Great Lake Trails are proud to be part of Ngā Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trails network.
Complete the Great Lake Trails Survey
Help us improve your trail experience. Complete our survey to be in the draw to win a $200nzd Torpedo7 voucher.
Complete SurveyMore
Find out more about this category from around the website
-
Content module > Action modules – Volcanic trek with us
Taupō Region Taupō Region -
Content modules > Basic Spotlight module – Volcanic trek with us
Tongariro National Park Tongariro National Park -
Content module > Action modules – Engage with us
Tūrangi Tūrangi -
Content module > Action modules
Kinloch Kinloch -
Content modules > Basic Spotlight module – Engage with us
Lake Taupō Lake Taupō -
Content modules > Basic Spotlight module
Taupō Town Taupō Town
Templates
Modules
Shuttles, Guides & Tours
Filters
Displaying 6 of 20
-
- Transport
TBD Business 3094016
Tongariro Expeditions - Taupō Return Shuttle to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This Tongariro Crossing shuttle service picks you up from central Taupō at 5:15am. We will pick you up either from your Taupō accommodation, or from the Taupō Customer & Visitor Information Centre. We will get you to Mangatepopo by 7am, allow for up to 8 hours to complete ...
-
- Accommodation
TBD Business 3091586
Creel Lodge Motel
This quiet oasis will both surprise and delight you. Creel Lodge is just four 1/2 hours drive from both Auckland and Wellington, and just 90 minutes from Waitomo and Rotorua. Set in three acres of established grounds with it's own private access to the famous Tongariro River, ...
$140.00 - $190.00 NZD
-
We are your warm and welcoming
Valid between: 7 May 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
-
Alpine winter escape, port on
Valid between: 7 May 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
-
- Activities & Day Trips
- Biking
TBD Business 5908270
Central NZ Guiding
Looking to go hunting with a passionate, experienced, hard working, honest, local guide in some of the best private access wilderness areas in the North Island, New Zealand? Let Marc Clinch organize an amazing experience for you in the hills and rivers surrounding the beautiful ...
$100.00 - $1,000.00 NZD
-
- Accommodation
TBD Business 6567250
Hill View HideAway
My guests will be in their own upstairs wing offering complete privacy. There is two bedrooms, a lounge with a couch, table and chairs, and a bar leaner with stools, and a separate room with a fridge, microwave and other amenities. The area is spacious, bright and modern with ...
$135.00 - $180.00 NZD
Book three nights and pay for two.
Valid between: 1 Jun 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
- Deal
TBD Business BUS-A
Stay 3, Pay 2
- Accommodation
TBD Business 5275986
Lupin Lodge Bed & Breakfast
Lupin Lodge Bed & Breakfast is located just 8 kms from the beautiful boutique resort town of Taupō. The Lodge has three spacious and elegant bedrooms on offer with exclusive bathrooms. On your arrival you will be welcomed by the host and offered a complimentary glass of ...
$210.00 - $280.00 NZD
- Activities & Day Trips
TBD Business 5308045
Snowscene Ski and Board
Snowscene Ski and Snowboard (based in Tūrangi) is your #1 destination for all your winter gear needs. We focus on excellent customer service and quality gear to make sure you are well informed on how the mountain works, and that you have the right gear for powder. Our shop is ...
$42.00 - $49.00 NZD
- Accommodation
TBD Business 5913043
Tongariro Junction Motels
Tongariro Junction Accommodation has self-contained, modern apartment-style motel units with double-glazing, insulation and air-conditioning/heating. Our Motel Units have different bed configuration options to select from: 1 Bedroom 3 pax has 1 Queen bed & 1 Single bed, 1 ...
$149.00 - $280.00 NZD
- Accommodation
TBD Business 3087623
Bay Court Lakefront Motel
Baycourt Lakefront Motel offers 12 spacious smoke free units just across the road from the lake. There are 7 spa bath units and 5 shower units including one with disabled access facilities. All units have a separate bedroom with queen sized bed, plus a lounge with either a ...
$120.00 - $170.00 NZD
- Accommodation
TBD Business 5107854
Finlay Jack's Backpackers | YHA Taupo
Finlay Jack's is centrally located near the Taupo town centre and the lakefront. Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s largest lake, situated in the adventurous Central North Island region, halfway between Auckland and Wellington. Rafting, skydiving and the world famous Tongariro Alpine ...
- Accommodation
TBD Business 3094158
Kauri Point Homestay
Kauri Point provides you with personalised luxury home style lodge accommodation set within 6 acres of elegant gardens. With beautiful gardens, dramatic birdsong, and warm-hearted service, Kauri Point provides you with a spectacular haven from the outside world. Stay at Kauri ...
$250.00 - $375.00 NZD
Unlimited Golf at Kinloch Club
Valid between: 30 Sep 2026 - 30 Nov 2026
Luxury accommodation
Valid between: 19 Mar 2026 - 18 Mar 2027
- Accommodation
TBD Business 4426603
Boulevard Waters Motel
All 10 self-contained units offer breathtaking views of the lake & mountains making for a most memorable stay in one of the most picturesque places in New Zealand. 4 Studio units sleep 2, 6 Family/studio units sleep 2-5 with the king bed in living area & single beds in ...
$189.00 - $259.00 NZD
- Activities & Day Trips
TBD Business 4242045
Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary
Many golfers speak of finding sanctuary on the course but rarely is a course itself a sanctuary. At Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, that distinction is a reality, widely regarded as a world-first. Seamlessly woven into the natural contours of rolling countryside, the course has been ...
$320.00 - $465.00 NZD
- Activities & Day Trips
TBD Business 4341946
Taupo Motorsport Park
Taupo Motorsport Park is a must-see when visiting the region. With a range of activities and events on-site all year round. Their fast, powerful German-built petrol karts race on a 400 metre outdoor track and are suitable for anyone 10 years+ and up, with tandem karts also ...
$49.00 - $500.00 NZD
Massages, Champagne & more
Valid between: 29 Sep 2026 - 29 Sep 2027
- Activities & Day Trips
- Biking
TBD Business 4419588
Rapids Jet
Our 35 minute blast will take you up to the Aratiatia Power Station and to the base of the Aratiatia Rapids, New Zealand's biggest & longest rapids that spill from the Aratiatia Dam daily. Feel the adrenalin rush as we shoot through the narrowest canyon on the Waikato River. ...
$159.00 NZD
Beyond trails
Other content from Love Taupō from throughout the region
-
Content module > Action modules – Volcanic trek with us
Taupō Region Taupō Region -
Content modules > Basic Spotlight module – Volcanic trek with us
Tongariro National Park Tongariro National Park -
Content module > Action modules – Engage with us
Tūrangi Tūrangi -
Content module > Action modules
Kinloch Kinloch -
Content modules > Basic Spotlight module – Engage with us
Lake Taupō Lake Taupō -
Content modules > Basic Spotlight module
Taupō Town Taupō Town
Templates
Modules
Personalise your Love Taupō experience
Tell us what you love and we will shape what you see to the trips, stories and deals that actually suit you