Ultimate 3-day mountain bike escape

Day one

Ride - Great Lake Trails

Ride the Waihaha section of the Great Lake Trails with FourB. Discover towering volcanic rock cliffs, spectacular views and a waterfall hidden deep in the Waihaha Valley. The trail has been built with flowing corners and fun downhills, and some short switchback climbs to keep you honest!

Finish your ride at the breathtaking Kotukutuku beach for a well-earned dip in the lake, before your water taxi transfer with Taxicat Adventures back to Kinloch.

30km | Intermediate | Grade 3

If you're keen to ride further, you can arrange for the water taxi to drop you at Kawakawa Bay to ride the second half of the Kawakawa section of the Great Lake Trails back to Kinloch (9km).

Taste

Finish your epic ride with a well-earned lunch at the Kinloch Store overlooking Kinloch beach.

Apres-bike - Hot soak

Rest your tired muscles at Wairakei Terrace's adults-only thermal hot pools. Surrounded by native bush and set below silica terraces and waterfalls, these thermal pools are rich in minerals and will have your body rested and rejuvenated for another day in the saddle.

Overnight - Luxury lakeside apartment

Check in to your stunning three-bedroom lakefront apartment at The Reef Resort - home for the next three nights. Kick back on the balcony overlooking Lake Taupo as the sun sets, soak in your very own spa bath, and relax before you head out for dinner.

Day two

Today you'll take a road trip south along the picturesque lakeside state highway from Taupo town to Turangi. 

Ride - Tongariro River Trail

Discover stunning native bush, rolling farmland, swing bridges, winding singletrack and lovely river views on the scenic 15km Tongariro River Trail. This easy, grade 2 trail is a looped ride from Turangi town, with multiple entry/exit points and is perfect for all abilities. Bike hire and guides are available from Tongariro Mountain Bikes.

15km | Easy | Grade 2

Taste

Turangi is bustling with great eateries and coffee houses. Creel Cafe is a must-visit for your morning brew and pastry, then post-ride, we're sure you would've worked up an appetite, so be sure to tuck into a tasty gourmet burger at RUST.

Apres-bike - White water rafting

Take on 60 heart-pounding, roller coaster rapids on the Tongariro River with an expert guide from Tongariro River Rafting at the helm.

Day three

Depending on how your body is feeling, you have a choice of incredible rides to explore today.

Ride - Huka Trails | Craters Mountain Bike Park | Great Lake Walkway

Huka Trails - ride a network of trails that wind along the Waikato River, connecting Taupo town with Huka Falls, Aratiatia Dam, Wairakei Tourist Park and Craters Mountain Bike Park. Ride as little or as much as you like, up to 80km. Most sections of the Huka Trails are grade 1 - 2 easy, whilst parts are grade 3 intermediate.

Craters Mountain Bike Park - discover more than 50km of trails at this purpose built mountain bike park, located a short ride (or even shorter drive!) from Taupo town. Trails range from children's entry level to technical cross-country and grade 5 downhill trails.

Great Lake Pathway - voted New Zealand's Favourite Urban Ride, 2017, the Great Lake Pathway is perfectly suited for anyone looking for a relaxed lakeside cruise. Take in epic views across Lake Taupo towards the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park, stop for coffee or ice-cream, or take a refreshing dip in the lake if you're feeling brave!

Taste

Kefi at the Hub is perfectly located on the Huka Trails and at the Craters Mountain Bike Park carpark for a post-ride treat. Their smoothies are among the best and their tasty raw treats, delicious breakfast and lunch menu and coffee are worth the stop.

Apres-bike - Sailing charter on Lake Taupo

You've earned some rest and relaxation. Kick back and laze onboard the yacht deck with a glass of bubbly or beer on a private sailing charter with Sail Barbary. Cruise to the Mine Bay Maori rock carvings, drop a fishing line, or take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo.