The Kawakawa Section is the central stretch of the Great Lake Trail network, covering 19.5 kilometres through some of the most varied and scenically rewarding terrain on the western shore of Lake Taupō. It is made up of three linked trails — the K2K, the Orakau and the Otaketake — and sits between the W2K section to the east and the Waihaha section to the west.
Practical Information
| Total distance | 19.5km (Kawakawa Section — three trails combined) |
| Grade | Grade 3 — Intermediate |
| Access | 20 minutes from Kinloch; also accessible via Whangamata Road for Orakau |
| Trails included | K2K Trail (Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay), Orakau Trail, Otaketake Trail |
| Part of | Great Lake Trails (Ngā Haerenga — NZ Cycle Trails) |
The Three Trails
The K2K Trail (Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay, ~8.4km) is the best-known part of the section — a climb to the Te Kauwae headland followed by a descent to the calm waters and shelter at Kawakawa Bay. The K2K is Grade 3, averages about 1 hour 10 minutes one way, and dogs on leads are permitted.
The Orakau Trail (9.8km) descends from the Orakau carpark on Whangamata Road to Kawakawa Bay, following the Orakau Stream through native bush, past waterfalls and over boardwalks. It’s mostly downhill and a popular choice for those wanting a point-to-point ride with a shuttle drop.
The Otaketake Trail (~10km) departs 3 kilometres west of Kinloch on the K2K and winds up through the Otaketake Stream valley. The trail features native bush, birdlife and viewpoints over the lake, and can be combined with the K2K for a 32-kilometre loop. Riding the Otaketake–K2K loop anti-clockwise is widely regarded as the better direction for the best lake reveals.
Combining Sections
The Kawakawa Section connects to the Waihaha section at its western end (via boat from Waihora Bay) and to the W2K section at its eastern end in Kinloch. Experienced riders can string all three sections together over two or more days as part of the full Great Lake Trail end-to-end ride. Boat shuttles operate on the lake between sections.
Where to Learn More
Love Taupō — Kawakawa Section
Official visitor information covering all three trails in the Kawakawa Section of the Great Lake Trail.
NZ Cycle Trail — Great Lake Trail
Official trail network profile with sections, grades, distances and planning information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kawakawa Section?
The Kawakawa Section is the central part of the 71km Great Lake Trail, covering 19.5km through three trails — K2K, Orakau and Otaketake — between Kinloch and Kawakawa Bay on the western shore of Lake Taupō.
What is the Otaketake Trail?
A 10km trail that branches off the K2K, 3km west of Kinloch, through the Otaketake Stream valley. Can be combined with the K2K for a 32km loop.
Can you swim at Kawakawa Bay?
Yes — Kawakawa Bay has clear lake water, a shelter and toilet facilities, and is a popular swimming stop at the end of the K2K or Orakau trails.
Do I need shuttles for the Kawakawa Section?
It depends on which trails you ride. The Orakau Trail is best with a shuttle drop-off; the K2K and Otaketake loop can be started and finished from Kinloch without a shuttle. Boat transfers are needed to connect west to the Waihaha section.
See also: Cycling tracks in Taupō · K2K Trail · Orakau Trail