Mangakino Recreation Reserve is a lakeside reserve on the shores of Lake Maraetai, directly accessible from Mangakino township. The reserve provides a boat ramp, picnic areas, and a freedom camping area, set against the calm expanse of the hydro lake. It’s a base for water activities on Lake Maraetai and a stop on the Waikato River Trails network.
Practical Information
| Location | Lake Road, Mangakino — on the shores of Lake Maraetai |
| Entry | Free |
| Freedom camping | Maximum 2 nights (1 night between 25 Dec and 10 Jan) |
| Camping area | Between the Pouakani Marae and Bowling Club, entrance off Moana Crescent |
| Facilities | Boat ramp, picnic tables, toilets |
| Water activities | Boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, fishing |
| Trail access | Waikato River Trails, Mangakino Suspension Bridge |
About the Reserve
Lake Maraetai is one of the hydro-electric lakes formed by the Maraetai Dam on the Waikato River, built as part of the hydro scheme that also created Mangakino township in the 1940s and 1950s. The lake is large and open, with calm water well suited to water skiing, wakeboarding, and general boating. The reserve’s boat ramp provides direct lake access for trailered watercraft.
The freedom camping area is located off Moana Crescent, between the Pouakani Marae and the Bowling Club — a specific designated area within the broader reserve. Non-powered sites only are available. The standard limit is two consecutive nights, reduced to one night during the peak Christmas period (25 December to 10 January).
Mangakino Suspension Bridge
One of the area’s more distinctive features is the Mangakino Suspension Bridge, an 80-metre footbridge over the Waikato River that forms part of the Waikato River Trails. The bridge gives walkers and cyclists a river crossing that connects sections of the trail and provides views along the river gorge. The Waikato River Trails network extends through this area, linking Mangakino with a longer corridor through the Waikato hydro lakes region.
Nearby Activities
The Timber Trail — one of the New Zealand Cycle Trails Great Rides — is accessible from the Mangakino area. The trail runs through Pureora Forest Park and covers 85 kilometres of mainly forested terrain. The Maraetai Trail is a shorter option within the hydro lakes area. Pureora Forest Park itself, nearby to the south-west, offers walking tracks through mature podocarp forest and is known for kiwi and other native bird populations.
What Visitors Say
“Great little spot for a night’s camping beside the lake. The suspension bridge is a fun walk — good views of the river from the middle.”
Where to Learn More
Taupō District Council – Mangakino covers community information for the township including recreational facilities and reserve access.
Love Taupō – Mangakino Scenic Attractions covers walking, cycling, and water-based activities around the Mangakino hydro lakes area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is freedom camping permitted at the reserve?
Yes. A designated camping area off Moana Crescent is available. The limit is 2 consecutive nights (1 night between 25 December and 10 January). Non-powered sites only.
Is there a boat ramp?
Yes. The boat ramp provides access to Lake Maraetai for boating, water skiing, and other watercraft.
What is the Mangakino Suspension Bridge?
An 80-metre footbridge over the Waikato River, forming part of the Waikato River Trails. It provides a scenic crossing point for walkers and cyclists on the trail network.
How do I get to Mangakino?
Mangakino is approximately 60 kilometres south-west of Taupō, off State Highway 30 in the Waikato region.
Is the Timber Trail accessible from Mangakino?
Yes. The Timber Trail — a New Zealand Cycle Trails Great Ride through Pureora Forest Park — is accessible from the Mangakino area.
Mangakino Recreation Reserve is part of the Taupō Parks and Reserves network. Mangakino Library is the local community library, and the Whakamaru Recreation Reserve on the Waikato River is another freedom camping option in the hydro lakes corridor.