Waihaha Hut Track

The Waihaha Hut Track is set in native forest within the Pureora Forest Park on the western side of Lake Taupo.

The Waihaha Hut Track follows the Waihaha River and offers an adventurous ride with moderate climbs, some challenging sections, and lush forest. You'll journey through shrubland and dense podocarp forest, ending at a scenic clearing with a cozy 10-bunk hut. Enjoy the beauty of the Pureora ranges!

Trail Stats and Map

  • Distance
    18 Km
  • Time
    3 Hours
  • Ability
    Grade 4 | Advanced
  • Trail Type
    Forest | River | Pumice

Elevation

The Waihaha Hut Track offers mountain bikers a fun mix of moderate climbs, gentle descents, and flat sections. Navigate technical turns as you wind through beautiful forest landscapes, making it an adventurous ride with just the right amount of elevation changes.

Elevation

Elevation | 613m

Climb | 4.5km

Descent | 4.1km

Flat | 1.4km


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Riding the Waihaha Hut Track

The track follows the beautiful Waihaha River up to the Waihaha Hut which is set in a clearing overlooking the river. It can be biked or walked to the hut. 

This trail is grade 4 and is 9km one way into the hut. Riders return the same way, making it an 18km return journey. The trail has been upgraded to make it more rideable but there are still some difficult sections where bikes will need to be carried. The trail is suitable for riders of moderate skill levels and fitness and you can expect to complete the return journey in approximately 3 hours.

The first part of the trail meanders along the Waihaha River bank and follows upstream through shrubland before entering dense podocarp forest. After 9km of riding you will reach a picturesque clearing where you’ll find the 10 bunk Waihaha Hut, a popular overnight location for hunters and trampers. The hut overlooks the Waihaha River where there is a good spot for a quick swim in summer. Have lunch at the hut (pack your own) or a drink stop before heading back out of the forest the way you came in.

This ride is considered one of the most accessible and achievable adventure rides in the Taupō region. The shorter distance makes it achievable for those with moderate fitness while still experiencing the remoteness of the forest in the Pureora ranges.

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Supervolcanic trail details

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Explore the Supervolcanic Trails

Whether you're tackling the Waihaha Hut 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 30 trails and more than 380 kilometers of riding paths, your adventure through this biking paradise is sure to be exhilarating and memorable.

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