There are few better ways to enjoy Taupō’s epic natural landscapes than from the saddle of a bike. From the epic Great Lake Trail to family-friendly Craters Mountain Bike Park, Taupō offers some of the best mountain-biking in New Zealand on a network of internationally recognised, purpose-built trails to suit every kind of rider.
And thanks to the pumice-rich, free-draining soils of the region, every day is a great day for a ride, even in winter.
Taupō’s riding experiences range from grade 1-2 family and e-bike tracks to epic overnight adventures, grade 5 downhills, mountain bike and BMX jump parks. There are a wide variety of long scenic trails, and both the Great Lake Trail and the Timber Trail are part of Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail network.
Set off from Taupō, Turangi, Kinloch or one of the smaller villages, or catch a water taxi or bike shuttle to the start of trails further afield. You can explore by yourself, hire a guide or book a multi-day package. Our local bike shop staff can give you the inside word on the best experience and gear for you.
Explore the New Zealand Cycle Trails with Tread Routes. We provide shuttles, guiding, bike hire and package trips on a wide range of trails. We have expert trail knowledge and all the gear to make logistics easy.
$20 - $2,000Te Iringa is a 38km long return mountain bike ride and one of the most technical grade 5 trails in New Zealand. For avid mountain bikers this is trail you must tick off your bucket list.
Two way trail along the beautiful Waikato river between Control Gates Bridge and Spa Park.
Kayaking with Taupo Kayak Adventures is not the only way to enjoy the stunning scenery the Great Lake Taupo region has to offer. Grab a bike and explore the region on 2 wheels or if you prefer a slower pace, join us on one of our many walking tours.
$90 - $400Towering volcanic rock cliffs, spectacular views and a waterfall hidden deep in the Waihaha Valley are highlights of the Waihaha section. The trail has been built with flowing corners and fun downhills, and some short switchback climbs to keep you honest!
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 - $1,000This grade 2-3 loop trail is perfect for the whole family. Highlights include river views, the impressive Aratiatia Dam release, stunning native bush and a hidden geothermal stream.
Known as the greatest mountain bike ride in the North Island, the 42 Traverse follows an old logging road through some of the most remote and rugged land in New Zealand.
Mountain bikers can explore a series of trails along New Zealand's longest river - the mighty Waikato River. The trails cover about 100 kilometres of previously inaccessible Southern Waikato land from Lake Karapiro to the Atiamuri Dam.
The Waihaha Hut Track is set in native forest within the Pureora Forest Park on the western side of Lake Taupo. The bike track follows the beautiful Waihaha River up to the Waihaha Hut which is set in a clearing overlooking the river.
The 85km long Timber Trail is a unique mountain bike ride across ancestral Māori lands, taking you deep into the ancient Pureora Forest Park in New Zealand's central North Island.
The Tongariro River Trail is a scenic looped ride along both sides of the Tongariro River in Turangi.
Relax and sightsee, or for the more adventurous: ride, hike or climb around the Great Lake Trail with easy access to all tracks with Bay2Bay Water Taxi.
$40 - $100From Kawakawa Bay the trail climbs up through native bush to the Te Kauwae headland providing a reward of spectacular views across the lake and Western Bays. The trail then descends to the lake edge with the final section on the lake front before finishing at the village of Kinloch.
This short loop track is a great way for walkers and mountain bikers to experience the variety of nature in the Kaimanawa Forest Park. Highlights include stunning podocarp forest and impressive views of Lake Taupō.
Voted New Zealand's Favourite Urban Ride in 2017, the Great Lake Walkway is bike riding at its most basic level — even tots with training wheels will love this ride.
A series of trails connecting Taupō town with Huka Falls, Aratiatia Dam, Wairakei Tourist Park and Craters Mountain Bike Park.
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.
$55 - $170The W2K section of the Great Lake Trail provides great views across Lake Taupō and back down towards Kinloch, one of the most beautiful lakeside villages in the country. The native bush creates a feeling of being far from civilisation, despite the fact that this is the most accessible section of the Great Lake Trail.
Craters Mountain Bike Park is a purpose-built mountain bike park located only a short distance from the Taupō town, with trails ranging from children’s entry level to technical cross country.
