COVID-19 travel alert: Taupo region is currently at Alert Level 1. Learn more.
COVID-19 travel alert: Taupo region is currently at Alert Level 1. Learn more.
The Taupo region has some of the best mountain biking in New Zealand, with internationally recognised, purpose-built trails to suit every type of bike rider.
From grade 1-2 family and e-bike tracks, to cross-country trails, mountain bike parks and BMX jump parks to epic overnight adventures and grade 5 downhill, there’s something for everyone in this region.
Explore the trails on your own, hire a bike, take a guided trip or book a multi-day package – you’ll uncover experiences and scenery that will take your breath away.
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.
From Taupo town you can ride all the way to Huka Falls (and on to Aratiatia Dam), following the course of the Waikato River along the Huka Falls Rotary Ride.
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.
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.
Spa Thermal Park is home of the famous Otumuheke Stream hot pools. From here, you can also explore the Huka scenic walking trails and the Rotary Ride mountain bike trail.
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.
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.
Te 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.
Wairakei Tourist Park is riverside and rural, thermal and thoughtful with something for adrenaline junkies, quiet plodders and most things in between.
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.