The Waipapa Trail

Begin at Bus Stop Café, enjoy narrow forest trails, see historic dam foundations, cross wetland boardwalks, and finish at Waipapa Power Station, featuring technical paths, steep sections, and stunning views of sandstone cliffs and the river. Ideal for adventurous riders seeking a challenging and scenic route

Begin at Bus Stop Café, enjoy narrow forest trails, see historic dam foundations, cross wetland boardwalks, and finish at Waipapa Power Station, featuring technical paths, steep sections, and stunning views of sandstone cliffs and the river. Ideal for adventurous riders seeking a challenging and scenic route

Trail Stats and Map

  • Distance
    19.6 Km
  • Time
    3 hr Cycling | 2 hrs Walking
  • Ability
    Grade 4 | Advanced
  • Trail Type
    River | Pumice | Dirt

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Elevation

Experience a varied ride from Waipapa Dam to the Jim Barnett Reserve. This section offers moderate climbs and descents, winding through dense native bush, pine forests, and farmland. With stunning river views, some tight turns, and a mix of easy and challenging segments, it's a great ride for all.

Elevation

Elevation | 518m

Climb | 8.6km

Descent | 18.4km

Flat | 2.7km


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Riding the Waippa Trail

The Waipapa Trail begins at the quirky Bus Stop Café at Mangakino Lakefront Reserve, a perfect spot to grab a coffee before starting your adventure. This trail offers a rugged journey through narrow, technical paths and steep sections. As you delve into the forest, you'll encounter remnants of the old Maraetai Dam foundations and an overgrown concrete batching plant, adding historical intrigue to the ride.

The trail features boardwalks through wetlands and leads to a viewing platform with spectacular views of the Maraetai dams. Riders will enjoy the sight of the largest hydroelectric station on the Waikato River. The trail concludes at the Waipapa Power Station, with views of sandstone cliffs and the river. The Waipapa Trail is perfect for those looking to push their limits while exploring the natural beauty and history of the area.

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Highlights

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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 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 NZ

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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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