Please note: Tongariro Alpine Crossing and other tracks across Tongariro National Park has reopened. Read the latest DOC update and track information here.
Please note: Tongariro Alpine Crossing and other tracks across Tongariro National Park has reopened. Read the latest DOC update and track information here.
The 42 Traverse takes you on an adventure through remote, rugged terrain, following an old logging road in former State Forest 42. Best enjoyed in summer, it features ruts, washouts, and river crossings. With a 520m descent, it's great for experienced and intermediate riders seeking a thrilling ride and breathtaking views.
The 42 Traverse takes you on an adventure through remote, rugged terrain, following an old logging road in former State Forest 42. Best enjoyed in summer, it features ruts, washouts, and river crossings. With a 520m descent, it's great for experienced and intermediate riders seeking a thrilling ride and breathtaking views
Elevation | 871m
Climb | 16.4km
Descent | 24.8km
Flat |883m
The 42 Traverse is a remote and rugged adventure ride through what used to be known as State Forest 42. It is best ridden during summer, but when the mountains have snow on them you get some stunning views. The unmaintained 4WD trail can have some decent ruts and washouts on it so take your time. It can be challenging in wet weather so make sure you’ve got appropriate tyres and all the spare gear for adventure riding.
Although the 46km long trail with an overall descent of 520 meters sounds easy, it is usually rather rutted making it enjoyable for experienced riders, however it is not technical and would be achievable by most intermediate riders as well. It is easily completed as a day trip from any of the nearby towns such as Taupō, Turangi, Ohakune, Raetihi or National Park.
You can expect to be riding for between 4 and 6 hours. The track can get very muddy (sticky gear muddy) and also has a few river crossings. It would pay not to ride the 42 Traverse at the end of winter after some rains where snow melt and heavy rain might make the rivers impassable - and a long uphill grind back to the road start!
Once you're done riding the 42 Traverse, commemorate your incredible ride by taking a picture at the new & iconic 42 Traverse Wall. Located in Owhango, right where the trail ends, the 42 Traverse Wall was created by local community in 2021 to honor the village of Owhango & those who ride the 42 Traverse
Whether you're exploring the 42 Traverse trail or exploring more forest routes of the Great Lake Trails, the Taupō region offers unforgettable rides amidst supervolcanic landscapes and lush wilderness. With over 65 individual trails and more than 330 kilometers of riding paths, your adventure through this biking paradise is sure to be exhilarating and memorable.
Southern Lake Taupo has some of the best mountain bike country in New Zealand. We know trails that ride through stunning scenery, immersing you in native forest and along side magnificent rivers full of trout and can be relaxing or challenging.
Part of the Super volcanic trail Network. Two nights B&B accommodation, meals and transport to mountain bike the Great Lake Trails over 2 days including the boat transfer from Waihaha on the first day and the K2K/W2K sections on the second day.
Shuttle transfers for all sections of the Great Lake Trails in Taupo including booking the water taxi transfer from the Waihaha section in the Western Bays of Lake Taupo.
Join us for the ultimate private mountain e-biking adventure in the Central North Island and stay in a luxurious remote lodge for the night. You will experience a truly private, wilderness adventure, with your very own on-site accommodation and host.
Take a tour of the Biking Capital of New Zealand with Chris Jolly Outdoors. Lake Taupo offers some of the most stunning scenic bike trails, and a guided bike tour is the perfect way to enjoy the experience.
The Kaimanawa Descent is Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures epic 23km Grade 3, purpose built heli biking trail. With the trail head over looking the volcanic plateau, descend through the Kaimanawa's with breathtaking views. It's a ride you wont forget.
Timber Trail 2-day all inclusive package. One night in Taupō, one night in the Timber Trail Lodge, meals and luggage transfers ex Taupō.
Got your own bike? Supervolcanic. Ride the Epic Waihaha section of the Great lake Trail with this transfer package from Kinloch.
Enjoy a scenic e-bike tour and learn about our breathtaking Huka Falls, the mighty crystal clear Waikato River, Aratiatia Dam & Rapids. Finish with a ride past an incredible geothermal stream in Wairakei. (previous MTB experience is good).
