River Side Trail

The River Side Trail in Taupō is a scenic, two-way path along the Waikato River between Control Gates Bridge and Spa Thermal Park. Ideal for all ages, it offers gentle terrain, stunning river views, and lush native bush. The trail connects to the Rotary Ride and Huka Trails, passes Cherry Island and River Side Reserve, and climbs behind Taupo Bungy, ending at Spa Thermal Park.

The River Side Trail in Taupō is a scenic, two-way path along the Waikato River between Control Gates Bridge and Spa Thermal Park. Ideal for all ages, it offers gentle terrain, stunning river views, and lush native bush. The trail connects to the Rotary Ride and Huka Trails, passes Cherry Island and River Side Reserve, and climbs behind Taupo Bungy, ending at Spa Thermal Park.

Trail Stats and Map

  • Distance
    3 Km
  • Time
    15 min Cycling | 1 hr Walking
  • Ability
    Grade 2 | Easy
  • Trail Type
    River | Dirt | Shared use

Elevation

The River Side Trail in Taupō features gentle terrain with minimal elevation gain. It offers a mostly flat ride along the Waikato River with a gradual ascent, making it perfect for all ages and skill levels to enjoy scenic views and a relaxing outdoor experience.

Elevation

Elevation | 391m

Climb | 1.7km

Descent | 1.2km

Flat |155m


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Riding the River Side Trail

The River Teide Trail in Taupō is a scenic path that winds along the Waikato River, offering a peaceful setting for cyclists and walkers. With gentle terrain elevation and it's suitable for all ages and fitness levels. As you follow the river, enjoy stunning views of the Waikato River, lush native bush, and even some occasional wildlife sightings!

This trail is perfect for connecting to larger rides in Taupō, such as the Great Lake Trail and the Huka Trails, allowing you to extend your journey and explore more of the stunning Supervolcanic network anē rengion.

Whether you're looking for a short, scenic stroll or a longer bike ride, the River Side Trail is perfect for soaking in Taupo's natural beauty. The route takes you past Cherry Island, through River Side Reserve, and climbs gently behind Taupo Bungy before ending in Spa Thermal Park. It's an ideal way to spend a relaxing day with family and friends, surrounded by the serene landscapes of Taupō.

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Supervolcanic trail details

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Explore the Supervolcanic Trails

Whether you're taking it easy on the River Side 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 Huka Trails Other River Rides

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Bike shuttles, guides & tours

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  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    FourB - Timber Trail All Inclusive Package

    Timber Trail 2-day all inclusive package. One night in Taupo, one night in the Timber Trail Lodge, meals and luggage transfers ex Taupo.

    $649 - $799 Book now
  • Kayaking

    Taupo Kayaking Adventures Bike & Kayak Combo Tours

    Why not combine your mountain biking and kayaking trip into one fun adventure packed day? Enjoy the stunning scenery Great Lake Taupo and its surrounding area has on offer on both land and water.

    $120 - $510 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Adventure Shuttles

    Whether you want to hike it, bike it, taste it or just go see it Adventure Shuttles helps you get the buzz in the beautiful Central North Island.

    $30 - $1,000
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Share your #LoveTaupo stories with us

This two-way walking and cycling path follows the Waikato River past Cherry Island and through Riverside Reserve, before climbing up behind Taupo Bungy and into Spa Thermal Park.

Distance 3km
Bike time / walk time 15 mins/ 1 hour
Bike grade  3 / intermediate
Walk physical rating Easy
Direction Both directions
Transport, bike hire & guides Yes. Click here for more information. 
Dog access Yes