The Supervolcanic Trail Network

Supervolcanics

Waihaha Section

Taupō, New Zealand

Taupō features breathtaking landscapes and thrilling activities. Visitors can explore quaint resort towns, relax in lakeside villages, and enjoy luxurious lodges. With adventures like water sports and hiking, Taupō guarantees an unforgettable experience of discovery and excitement.

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Trail Info & Elevation

Total Distance

75 Km

Total Time

9 - 12 hrs Cycling

Ability

Grade 3 | Intermediate

Trail Types

Forrest | Pumice | River | Dirt

Descent

29.7km*

Elevation

555m

Climb

34.8km*

Flat

9.1km*

Riding the Waihaha Section

The Great Lake Trails are a journey of volcanic discovery around the rim of Lake Taupō, a supervolcano formed after one of Earth’s largest known eruptions. The volcano ejected pumice over the land, gifting the area with free-draining soils perfect for all-season riding.

Flowing, purpose-built mountain bike trails will take you through lush native forest, past sparkling waterfalls, towering volcanic cliffs, and over deep gorges. Striking rock formations depict the area’s fascinating volcanic history, and a stop at Echo Rock will have you thinking you’re standing near a waterfall. Ride to elevated lookouts with spectacular views of snowy volcanic peaks and down to secluded swimming beaches to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupō.

Consistently rated highly for rider experience, the Great Lake Trails boast exhilarating downhills, fun switchbacks, and cambered berms to deliver true singletrack heaven for riders. The trails were built by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers, realising the pipedream of a community that lives and breathes cycling.

The Great Lake Trails traverse some of the most remote areas of the lake shore on a stretch of land between Waihaha Bridge in the west to Whakaipo Bay in the north. A boat shuttle links the different sections of the trail, providing pick-ups and drop-offs from various picturesque bays along the trail.

The Great Lake Trails will take you into a truly ancient area that is interwoven with Maori history and storeys from a time past. You can feel the history surrounding you as you ride into the forest, and the landscape unfolds to reveal stunning views across the water to the majestic volcanic mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Dramatic scenery combines with serene lake views, powerful waterfalls, native bird songs, and incredible trail quality to deliver an unforgettable experience.

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K2 Trail (Great lake trails)

Flowing downhill, stunning wetlands, secluded beaches perfect for a mid-way swim and sweeping views of Lake Taupo are just some of the highlights of the K2K Trail, part of the Kawakawa Section of the Great Lake Trails.
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Otaketake Trail

The newest section of the Great Lake Trails can be ridden by itself (12km) or part of a 36km loop that starts and finishes in Kinloch.

Plan Your Trip

Safety Guidelines

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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 Survey

Explore the Supervolcanic Great Lake Trails

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Great Lake Trails

Beyond the Trails

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Things to Do
masonry22
Eat & Drink
shopping
Bike Friendly Accomodation

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