COVID-19 travel alert: Taupo region is currently at Alert Level 1. Learn more.
Cycling & mountain biking in Taupo
There are few better ways to enjoy Taupo’s epic natural landscapes than from the saddle of a bike. From the epic Great Lake Trail to family-friendly Craters Mountain Bike Park, Taupo 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.
Taupo’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 the Great Lake Trails, Timber Trail and Waikato River Trails are all part of Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail network.
With over 220km of singletrack riding, you will find an epic ride around every corner.
Internationally recognised
The Taupo region was accredited by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) as a silver level ride centre, which means that it is home to large-scale mountain biking facilities that offer something for all riders.
Taupo cycling and mountain bike trails
Bike trails, parks, tours & shuttles
Displaying 1 - 10 of 44
-
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.
$499 Book now -
Cycling & mountain biking
Huka Trails
Ride a network of trails that wind along the Waikato River, connecting Taupo town with Huka Falls, Aratiatia Dam, Wairakei Tourist Park and Craters Mountain Bike Park.
-
Cycling & mountain biking
Great Lake Pathway (Lion's Walk)
Voted New Zealand's Favourite Urban Ride in 2017, the Great Lake Pathway (Lion's Walk) is perfectly suited for families and offers spectacular views across Lake Taupo to the snow-capped peaks of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu.
-
Mountain biking
Taupo Kayaking Adventures - Bike Tours & Bike Hire
Kayaking 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 Book now -
Fishing – Fresh Water
Tongariro River Rafting
Welcome to Tongariro River Rafting: we’re a fun, friendly, family-owned company offering guided Tongariro River experiences from our awesome home base in Turangi. For down-to-earth Kiwi backcountry fun, we can’t be beat!
$99 - $700 Book now -
Cycle Hire
FourB Bike Hire
Hard tail, full suspension and electric Mountain bikes. Electric step through road bikes and race road bikes for hire.
$25 - $180 -
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 trail with lots of fun to be had.
$75 Book now -
Mountain biking
Huka river trail E bike tour, Taupo
Enjoy a scenic E mountain bike tour and learn about our breathtaking Huka falls, crystal clear Waikato River, Aratiatia hydro dam & Rapids and finish riding past an incredible geothermal stream in Wairakei. (Some previous MTB experience is good)
$149 Book now -
Biking trails
Tongariro River Trail
Discover stunning native bush, winding singletrack and lovely river views on this scenic looped ride along both sides of the Tongariro River in Turangi - perfect for the whole family.
-
Cycling & mountain biking
Tree Trunk Gorge
The Tree Trunk Gorge trail will take you on a picturesque journey through the Kaimanawa Forest Park. It passes through classic central North Island beech forest, across streams and rivers and over two impressive gorges as it tracks along the upper section of the Tongariro River.
-
Discover epic Taupo trails | 3-day itinerary
Bike Taupo hosted international mountain bike legend Bas van Steenbergen and current Queen of Crankworx and three times Canadian downhill national champion Vaea Verbeeck for an epic few days riding in Taupo New Zealand.
More info
Further afield - Central North Island mountain bike trails
Taupo is the perfect place to base yourself to explore North Island trails and parks. Just one-hour north you’ll discover the world-renowned Redwoods (Whakarewarewa Forest) Mountain Bike Park and Skyline Gravity Park in Rotorua, and just a short day trip south you’ll find the 42 Traverse, Fishers Track, Ohakune Old Coach Road and Bridge to Nowhere. Many of Taupo's local bike shuttle operators and guides offer day trips to all of these trails.
Plan your trip
Set off from Taupo town, 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.
Après-bike
It’s not only the world-class riding on offer, but also the après-bike experience that makes Taupo such a special cycling destination. Add some action adventure like sailing, jetboating, rafting and bungy jumping to your cycling holiday, or top off the day with a local craft beer, wine and cuisine, and a soak in natural geothermal hot pools as the sun goes down.
Biking events
From family friendly fun to mountain biking adventures and epic road cycling, there's a biking event to suit every rider in Taupo.