Great Lake Trail: Taupō’s Iconic Scenic Ride
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Taupō’s Great Lake Trail, where adventure awaits at every turn—what hidden gems will you uncover along the way?
Cycling and BMX Tracks throughout Taupo
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Taupō is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts, offering a variety of tracks that showcase its stunning natural beauty. From lakeside trails and serene forest paths to rugged mountain biking tracks, Taupō has something for everyone, regardless of skill level. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride along the lakeshore or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Taupō’s cycle trails promise an unforgettable experience. This comprehensive guide details the best cycle tracks in Taupō, highlighting unique features, difficulty levels, and essential insights for each trail.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Taupō’s Great Lake Trail, where adventure awaits at every turn—what hidden gems will you uncover along the way?
Get ready to explore the breathtaking Tongariro River Trail, where stunning views and wildlife encounters await—what adventures will you discover along the way?
Find your perfect cycling adventure along the breathtaking Waikato River Trails, where stunning landscapes and thrilling challenges await you. Discover more now!
Discover the thrilling Waihaha Trail in Taupō, where narrow paths and stunning vistas await—are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
Love biking? Discover the exhilarating Spa Park BMX Pump Track in Taupō, where adventure awaits at every turn and thrilling experiences are just around the corner.
Prepare for an exhilarating BMX experience at Taupō BMX Track, where thrilling challenges await—discover what makes this destination a must-visit!
Incredible views and unique flora await on the Kawakawa Trail; discover why this hidden gem is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Journey along the Headland Loop Trail for breathtaking views of Lake Taupō, but discover the hidden gems that await you on this unforgettable adventure.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure along the Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch Trail, where stunning lakefront views and wildlife encounters await you. Discover more to enhance your journey!
W2K Trail offers stunning views and diverse terrain that will leave you eager to explore the adventure that awaits in Taupō.
Just ten minutes from Taupō, Craters Mountain Bike Park offers thrilling trails and stunning scenery—discover why it’s the ultimate biking destination!
Hike or cycle the stunning Acacia Bay Walking Track, where breathtaking views and hidden gems await adventure seekers on every turn. Discover more about this incredible path!
Feel the breeze and embrace adventure on the Great Lake Pathway, where family fun awaits—discover the hidden gems along this picturesque lakeside ride!
You’ll discover breathtaking views and hidden gems along the Rangatira Point Track, but what else awaits you on this scenic coastal cycle?
Discover the breathtaking Orakau Trail, where stunning views and diverse wildlife await; find out what makes this ride an unforgettable adventure.
Discover the stunning K2K Trail from Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay, where breathtaking views and hidden gems await—are you ready for the adventure?
Leave behind the ordinary and discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Kinloch Loop, where adventure awaits at every turn. What will you find?
Pedal through breathtaking landscapes along the Huka Trails, where adventure awaits at every turn and stunning sights are just the beginning.
Overview
The Great Lake Trail is one of Taupō’s most iconic cycling routes, following the northern and western shores of Lake Taupō for a total of 71 kilometers. This trail immerses riders in lush native forests, dramatic waterfalls, and unparalleled views of New Zealand’s largest lake, making it a must-do for both local and visiting cyclists.
Highlights
Difficulty Level
Intermediate; recommended for riders with some off-road experience.
Estimated Time
The entire trail can be completed over two days, with each section taking between 3 to 5 hours.
Overview
Located just north of Taupō town, Craters Mountain Bike Park is a dedicated mountain biking area with over 50 kilometers of purpose-built trails. The park is set within a geothermal landscape, providing unique terrain and scenic views, and caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced riders.
Highlights
Difficulty Level
Ranging from easy to expert; well-marked trails allow riders to choose according to their skill level.
Estimated Time
1 to 4 hours, depending on chosen trails and experience level.
Overview
The Waikato River Trails offer scenic cycling along New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato. While the full trail stretches over 100 kilometers, the sections near Taupō provide easy-to-intermediate cycling through native bush and along the river’s edge, ideal for those looking to enjoy a leisurely riverside ride.
Highlights
Difficulty Level
Easy to intermediate; suitable for families, beginners, and casual riders.
Estimated Time
2 to 3 hours for individual sections, while the entire trail can be completed over multiple days.
Overview
The Tongariro River Trail is a scenic 15-kilometer loop near Turangi, south of Taupō. This trail follows the banks of the Tongariro River, famous for trout fishing, and provides a mix of singletrack and gravel paths, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed ride with beautiful riverside scenery.
Highlights
Difficulty Level
Easy; accessible for riders of all ages and fitness levels.
Estimated Time
1.5 to 2 hours to complete the loop.
Overview
The W2K Trail is a well-loved 13-kilometer track that stretches from Whakaipo Bay to the lakeside village of Kinloch. As part of the Great Lake Trail, it offers riders a blend of forested trails and open ridgelines with spectacular views of Lake Taupō.
Highlights
Difficulty Level
Intermediate; some sections are steep and require moderate fitness.
Estimated Time
2 to 3 hours for the main trail, with the Headland Loop adding an extra 1.5 hours.
Overview
The Timber Trail is a world-class cycling experience located within Pureora Forest Park, accessible from Taupō. Spanning 85 kilometers, this multi-day ride takes cyclists through ancient forests, over suspension bridges, and along historical tramways, providing an immersive experience in New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.
Highlights
Difficulty Level
Moderate to advanced, with some long, challenging sections. Recommended for riders with reasonable fitness.
Estimated Time
The entire trail takes 2 days, with campsites and lodges available along the route for overnight stays.
Overview
This popular track connects Spa Park in Taupō to the iconic Huka Falls, following a scenic path along the Waikato River. The track’s gentle grade and beautiful river views make it a favorite for casual cyclists and families alike.
Highlights
Difficulty Level
Easy; suitable for riders of all ages and abilities.
Estimated Time
1 to 1.5 hours round-trip, with time to enjoy the falls.
Taupō’s cycle tracks offer an incredible variety of experiences, from the scenic Great Lake Trail and the thrill of Craters Mountain Bike Park to the historical Timber Trail and the family-friendly Spa Park to Huka Falls track. Whether you’re seeking challenging mountain trails, tranquil riverside paths, or stunning lakeside views, Taupō’s cycle network has something to offer riders of all skill levels.
Each of these tracks provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty and adventure of the Taupō region, giving locals and visitors alike a chance to explore everything this stunning area has to offer. So grab your bike, pick a trail, and set out to discover Taupō’s fantastic cycling landscape.
Explore Taupo provides information on local attractions, events, and activities, while also offering a platform for local businesses to list their services. It’s a resource designed to help visitors and residents discover the best the city has to offer.
Platform
Explore
Stay Informed
By signing up, you confirm that you agree with our Privacy Policy.
© February 8, 2025 | Explore Taupo