Waihora Link

Ride amongst vast stands of Kamahi, through volcanic rock formations and past the intriguing Echo Rock before you start to descend down the Kotukutuku Stream.

Explore the Waihora Trail in the Waihaha Section, winding through Kamahi forests and past volcanic landmarks like Echo Rock. Traverse dramatic descents along Kotukutuku Stream, marvel at expansive views across Lake Taupō, and conclude with a tranquil boat transfer at Kotukutuku Landing

Trail Stats and Map

  • Distance
    14.2 Km
  • Time
    1.5 hrs Cycling | 2.5 hrs Walking
  • Ability
    Grade 3 | Intermediate
  • Trail Type
    Forrest | Pumice | Shared use

Elevation

The Waihora Trail features challenging ascents through dense Kamahi forests and tight switchbacks over rugged volcanic rocks, leading to sweeping high-altitude views from Waihora Lookout. It then plunges into steep descents along Kotukutuku Stream, concluding with a serene boat transfer at Kotukutuku Landing.

Elevation

Elevation | 493m

Climb | 5.2km

Descent | 6.3km

Flat | 2.7km

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Riding the Waihora Trail

The Waihora Trail, a gem within the Waihaha Section of the Great Lake Trails, offers a breathtaking journey from the Waihaha Road junction to Kotukutuku Landing. As you ride, the trail unfolds into expansive views that stretch across Lake Taupo towards the striking volcanoes of Tongariro National Park, celebrated from the Waihora lookout. This part of the trail is a spectacle of natural beauty, under vast blue skies that enhance the serene, vast landscape.

The trail weaves through dense stands of Kamahi and past dramatic volcanic rock formations, including the intriguing Echo Rock. The descent along Kotukutuku Stream is an engineering marvel, featuring a series of bridges, platforms, and boardwalks that lead you gracefully down to a secluded beach in a tranquil bay. Here, riders are typically met by a pre-booked boat transfer that shuttles them back to Kinloch, marking a picturesque end to the adventure.

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Supervolcanic trail details

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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 Great Lake Trails

Whether you're exploring the Waihora Link 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.

Other Waihaha Section Links Other Great Lake 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

    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
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Huka River Trail Guided Geothermal E-bike Tour

    Enjoy a scenic e-bike tour and learn about our breathtaking Huka Falls, the mighty crystal clear Waikato River, Aratiatia Dam & Rapids. Finish with a ride past an incredible geothermal stream in Wairakei. (previous MTB experience is good).

    $299 - $399 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Taupo Kayaking Adventures - Bike Tours & Bike Hire

    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.

    $100 - $400
  • 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

    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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.

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