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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
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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.
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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.
$65 - $299 Book now -
Mountain biking
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 -
Cycling & mountain biking
Waikato River Trails
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.
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Cycle Hire
FourB Bike hire and tours
Hard tail, full suspension and electric Mountain bikes. Electric step through road bikes and race road bikes for hire.
$25 - $180 -
Biking trails
River Side Trail
Two way trail along the beautiful Waikato River between Control Gates Bridge and Spa Thermal Park.
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Cycling & mountain biking
Otaketake section of the Great Lake Trails
The newest section of the Great Lake Trails can be ridden by itself (10km) or part of a 36km loop that starts and finishes in Kinloch.
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Mountain biking
42 Traverse Guided E-Bike Ride
Known as one of the best adventure mountain bike ride 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.
$170 Book now -
Cycling & mountain biking
42 Traverse
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.
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Cycling & mountain biking
Craters Mountain Bike Park
Craters Mountain Bike Park is a purpose-built mountain bike park located only a short distance from Taupo town, with trails ranging from children’s entry level to technical cross country and downhill trails.
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Bike retail & repair
Pack & Pedal Taupo
Taupo's friendliest bike shop is locally owned and we're open 7 days.
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. Check out more Taupo events.