Please note: There is a large vegetation fire in Tongariro National Park. Please avoid the area and follow official advice from the Department of Conservation.
Please note: There is a large vegetation fire in Tongariro National Park. Please avoid the area and follow official advice from the Department of Conservation.
Situated within the Waihaha Section of the Great Lake Trails, the Waihaha Link Trail begins at the Waihaha River carpark and winds along the Waihaha River towards Lake Taupō. The route offers stunning views of the volcanic terrain, with the impressive Tieke Falls serving as a standout feature
Situated within the Waihaha Section of the Great Lake Trails, the Waihaha Link Trail begins at the Waihaha River carpark and winds along the Waihaha River towards Lake Taupō. The route offers stunning views of the volcanic terrain, with the impressive Tieke Falls serving as a standout feature
Elevation | 535m
Climb | 5.2km
Descent | 4.8km
Flat | 2.4km
Elevation in Meters / Kilometers
At the Waihaha River carpark (Western Bay Road, Waihaha), you will find a shelter with a map and information board (note the toilet is 50m or so down the track). From here, the trail follows the river downstream for a few hundred metres before it crosses the river on a swingbridge.
The trail then gently climbs up onto the cliffs above the river and follows the course of the river to the junction at the end of Waihaha Road. This first part of the trail has great views of the Waihaha River canyon and waterfall. Be sure to stop and view the beautiful Tieke Waterfall from the trail above. The trail is surrounded by Tanekaha-dominated native bush and large outcrops of weathered volcanic rocks.
At the junction at the end of the Waihaha Road, you will see a directional sign (Waihaha Road is really a farm track that ends at the edge of the bush, so you won’t see a sealed road as such). The trail continues from here down to Kotukutuku Landing on what is known as the Waihora section of the trail.
If you want a shorter ride, you can pre-arrange for transport to pick you up from the end of Waihaha Road, which is 13km from the start of the trail. Alternatively, you can ride out Waihaha Road and turn left onto the main highway back to the trail starting at Waihaha River Bridge, a distance of approximately 9.5km.
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Complete surveyWhether you're exploring the Waihaha Section or looking for more forest routes of the Great Lake Trails, the Taupō region offers unforgettable rides amidst the 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.
Timber Trail 2-day all inclusive package. One night in Taupō, one night in the Timber Trail Lodge, meals and luggage transfers ex Taupō.
Biking with Taupo Kayak Adventures is not the only way to enjoy the stunning scenery the Great Lake Taupo region has to offer. Join our professional guides on our many bike trails. We have an unguided option which includes bike hire and shuttle.
Known as one of the best adventure mountain bike rides in New Zealand. A 46km Grade 3 guided mountain e-bike tour through the Tongariro Forest. The 42 Traverse takes you into sub-alpine New Zealand with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
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.
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.
Shuttles, bike/ebike hire and glamping accommodation on the Timber Trail - one of New Zealand's Great Rides.
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.
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.
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.
