Otaketake Trail - Great Lake Trails

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.

Set off on the Otaketake Trail, the newest addition to New Zealand's Great Lake Trails. This trail offers a mix of technical challenges and scenic routes through lush native bush, featuring stunning panoramic views. Starting and ending in Kinloch, you can tackle the 12km standalone trail or embark on an exhilarating 36km loop, perfectly blending adventure with breathtaking landscapes.

Trail Stats and Map

  • Distance
    11.1 Km
  • Time
    2 hrs Cycling | 3 hrs Walking
  • Ability
    Grade 3 | Intermediate
  • Trail Type
    Forrest | Pumice | Shared use

Elevation

The Otaketake Trail features challenging climbs, rapid descents, and tight corners. Beginning in Kinloch, it winds through lush native bush, offering elevated views and links to further trails for an extended mountain biking adventure.

Elevation

Elevation | 351m

Climb | 5.2km

Descent | 4.2km

Flat | 1.8km


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Riding the Otaketake Trail

The Otaketake Trail is an enchanting segment of the Great Lake Trails & Great Rides NZ, celebrated for its picturesque scenery and diverse terrain. This trail provides mountain bikers with a blend of technical stretches and smoother segments, catering to various skill levels. It begins in the Kinloch area, where riders access the trail through the Kawakawa section, opening up possibilities for extended exploration around Lake Taupo.

Navigating the Otaketake Trail immerses you in breathtaking native bush, setting a vibrant scene for the thrilling route ahead. It features sharp turns, steep inclines, and swift descents that test even the most seasoned bikers. The journey offers expansive views of the landscape, with occasional glimpses of Lake Taupo peeking through the foliage.

This trail links seamlessly with other parts of the Great Lake Trails, enhancing its appeal as a versatile option for customizing riding adventures, from quick outings to full-day excursions.

Exiting onto Kawakawa Road, riders can turn right to reach the Orakau shelter via off-road paths. From here, you can choose to backtrack to Kinloch or tackle the Orakau Trail and K2K, completing an excellent 35 km loop that promises a challenging and picturesque riding experience.

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Supervolcanic trail details

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The Great Lake Trails are proud to be part of Ngā Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trails network.

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Explore the Supervolcanic Great Lake Trails

Whether you're tackling the Otaketatake 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.

Other Connecting Trails Other Great Lake Rides

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Bike shuttles, guides & tours

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  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Chris Jolly Outdoors - Guided Biking

    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.

    $1 - $1,800 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Tree Trunk Gorge Guided Mountain Bike

    This is a short but beautiful track that weaves its way through native forest and includes a short steep climb, a picturesque river ford and some wooden bridges. This is an intermediate/advanced trail with lots of fun to be had.

    $225
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    FourB - Waihaha -Shuttle, Boat & Bike hire Package

    The Great Lake Trail Waihaha-Waihora section Including return road transfer, scenic boat transfer and bike hire to enjoy one of the best one day trails in the North Island. Some previous trail riding is important as it is an intermediate trail.

    $295 - $325 Book now
  • Activities & tours

    Camp Epic - Timber Trail Shuttles, Hire, Glamping

    Shuttles, bike/ebike hire and glamping accommodation on the Timber Trail - one of New Zealand's Great Rides.

  • Mountain biking

    FourB - Great Lake Trails 2-Day All Inclusive Package

    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.

    $599 Book now
  • Airport shuttles

    FourB - Great Lake Trails Shuttles

    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.

    $45 - $150 Book now
  • Mountain biking

    Kaimanawa Descent (Heli Bike)

    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.

    $350 - $450 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Supervolcanic - Waihaha - Road and Boat Transfer Package

    Got your own bike? Supervolcanic. Ride the Epic Waihaha section of the Great lake Trail with this transfer package from Kinloch.

    $149 - $159 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Overnight e-Bike Adventures

    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.

    $695
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