Waikato River Trails

The Waikato River Trails are divided into five sections, each offering a unique adventure. You'll find everything from gently rolling paths to steeper, more rugged trails. The trails are graded from 3 (Intermediate) to 4 (Advanced). While most are wide and smooth, some, particularly in the Waipapa section, feature trickier single-tracks. A mountain bike is recommended for the best experience, ensuring you can handle the varied terrain and enjoy the scenic beauty to the fullest.in bikers and walkers can explore a series of cycle trails along New Zealand's longest river - the mighty Waikato River.

The Waikato River Trails are divided into five sections, each offering a unique adventure. You'll find everything from gently rolling paths to steeper, more rugged trails. The trails are graded from 3 (Intermediate) to 4 (Advanced). While most are wide and smooth, some, particularly in the Waipapa section, feature trickier single-tracks. A mountain bike is recommended for the best experience, ensuring you can handle the varied terrain and enjoy the scenic beauty to the fullest.

Trail Stats and Map

  • Total Distance
    104 Km
  • Time
    1 hr to 4 days
  • Ability
    Intermediate to advanced
  • Trail Type
    River | Gravel | Dirt | Pathways

Click on the map to enlarge and magnify

Elevation

The Waikato River Trails offer diverse cycling experiences with rolling terrain, gentle climbs, tight turns, and stunning views. Ride through lush native bush, open farmlands, and lakeside paths. Each trail, suitable for all levels, promises a memorable adventure with beautiful scenery and varied challenges.

Elevation

Elevation | 518m

Climb | 26km

Descent | 34.6km

Flat | ~18.7km


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Riding Waikato River Trails

The trails cover about 100 kilometres of previously inaccessible Southern Waikato land from Atiamuri Village to Lake Karapiro.

Waikato River Trails welcome everyone to wind their way along a Trail that encompasses the magic and beauty of New Zealand native bush, exotic forest and the villages of Atiamuri, Whakamaru, Mangakino and Arapuni where an idyllic pace of life greets you.

Be inspired as you cycle past magnificent hydro dams, over suspension bridges, significant wetlands, while soaking up expansive lake and river landscapes.

The trail is mostly flat with some short steep sections. It is made up of several intermediate to advanced trails that provide opportunity for day excursions. For more information on the trail sections and maps visit WaikatoRiverTrails.co.nz.

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Highlights

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The Waikato River 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.

The Waikato River Trails Other Great Rides

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Bike shuttles, guides & tours

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  • 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.

    $310 - $349 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
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Adventure Shuttles

    Whether you want to hike it, bike it, taste it or just go see it Adventure Shuttles helps you get the buzz in the beautiful Central North Island.

    $30 - $1,000
  • Cycling & mountain biking

    Kaimanawa Descent (Heli Bike)

  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Tongariro Mountain Bikes

    Southern Lake Taupo has some of the best mountain bike country in New Zealand. We know trails that ride through stunning scenery, immersing you in native forest and along side magnificent rivers full of trout and can be relaxing or challenging.

    $85 - $395
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    FourB - Timber Trail All Inclusive Package

    Timber Trail 2-day all inclusive package. One night in Taupo, one night in the Timber Trail Lodge, meals and luggage transfers ex Taupo.

    $649 - $799 Book now
  • Fishing – Fresh Water

    River Birches Guided Fly Fishing Package

    Working with some of the areas finest professional guides we will organize everything you need from waders, licenses, rods and transport to make your fishing adventure memorable.

    $2,999 - $3,000
  • 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
  • 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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