The Maraetai Trail

Part of the Waikato River Trails | Mangakino

Explore the Maraetai Trail, starting right next to the Whakamaru Dam. This scenic route takes you through the historic Whakamaru switching station and ascends gently above the river. Wander through paths lined with pine trees and pass by peaceful farmlands where sheep and livestock graze. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and local history.

Explore the Maraetai Trail, starting right next to the Whakamaru Dam. This scenic route takes you through the historic Whakamaru switching station and ascends gently above the river. Wander through paths lined with pine trees and pass by peaceful farmlands where sheep and livestock graze. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and local history.

Trail Stats and Map

  • Distance
    12.3 Km
  • Time
    1 hr Cycling | 2 - 3 hrs Walking
  • Ability
    Intermediate
  • Trail Type
    River | Gravel | Dirt

Click on the map to enlarge and magnify

Elevation

Discover the charming trail from Maraetai Dam to Mangakino Suspension Bridge. Enjoy gentle climbs and descents, with some switchbacks through native bush, lakeside paths, and open farmlands. This mostly flat and smooth trail offers beautiful lake and river vistas, making it a pleasant journey.

Elevation

Elevation | 237m

Climb | 4.9km

Descent | 3.9km

Flat | 2.5km


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Riding the Maraetai Trail

The Maraetai Trail is one of five individual trails that make up the Waikato River Trails, connecting seamlessly with the Whakamaru and Waipapa trails depending on the direction of your ride.

Your adventure on the Maraetai Trail begins at the inviting Mangakino Lakefront Reserve, where lush green banks and calming waters set the tone for a serene ride. From here, the trail heads south, closely hugging the shores of Lake Maraetai. The path is well-graded, making for an easy and enjoyable ride for all skill levels.

As you leave the lakefront, you'll encounter winding boardwalks that meander through vibrant wetlands. These areas are lined with tall harakeke and toetoe, enhancing the trail's scenic beauty and offering a rich tapestry of native flora to appreciate. The trail then leads you past the Mangakino Golf Club, where it picks up along the lake’s edge once again, guiding you through regenerating bush-clad gullies dotted with exposed rock faces and impressive granite boulders.

After traversing these varied landscapes, the trail presents a few sharp dips and rises, which may be a bit challenging for younger riders, adding a touch of adventure to the journey. Another highlight is the impressive 70-metre Mangakino Suspension Bridge, which spans the Mangakino Stream. At 12 metres above the stream, it’s an ideal spot to pause and refuel, enjoying the shade and the stunning views.

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Highlights

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Explore the Supervolcanic Trails Network

Whether you're tackling the Waikato River Trails or exploring more forest routes of the Great Lake Trails, the Taupō region offers unforgettable rides amidst supervolcanic landscapes and lush wilderness. With over 30 trails and more than 380 kilometers of riding paths, your adventure through this biking paradise is sure to be exhilarating and memorable.

Other Waikato River Trails Other Great 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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Part of the Waikato River Trails | Mangakino