Bike the Great Lake!
Nothing gets the thighs burning like the cycling trails around New Zealand’s largest lake! With forest parks and lots of uphill and downhill fun, there’s plenty of challenges to be had in this outdoorsy region.
The town of Taupo will accommodate you with bike hire, bike shuttles and affordable accommodation. So take a look at our list of Lake Taupo bike trails for the rides that best suit your ability and sense of adventure!
A couple of tips:
- Grade two might be classed as easy, but this means there are still some climbs to do be prepared to exert yourself.
- Pick up a bike trail map from the bike stores or i-SITE in Taupo.
Table of Contents
1. Great Lake Trail
Cycle the western shores of New Zealand’s biggest lake! This grade three trail gives you panoramic views across Lake Taupo and over to the Tongariro National Park.
The Great Lake Trails offer a volcanic adventure in singletrack form, tracing about 88 km (55 mi) along Lake Taupō’s north-western shoreline.
Composed of four scenic sections accessible via Kinloch, this purpose-built trail weaves through native forest, wetlands, waterfalls, gorges, and lakeside cliffs.
Expect flowing terrain with smooth climbs, thrilling descents, berms, and switchbacks crafted by passionate mountain bikers.
Highlights include Echo Rock, Kotukutuku Falls and Bay, and the remote Waihaha Valley.
Distance: 88 km (55 mi), 2-3 days.
Location: Between Whakaipo Road (start of WK2 track) and Waihora.
© Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)2. Craters MTB Park
Mountain bikers will get their fix of technical trails through the forest in this purpose-built park. With 50km of singletrack winding through exotic forestry and volcanic features, Craters MTB Park offers a thrilling ride for all abilities.
Expect jumps, berms, drops, and pulse-pounding descents tailored for riders seeking flow and challenge.
The fast-draining terrain means you can enjoy the trails year-round. To use the park, you’ll need a Bike Taupo membership, available from a local bike store or the i-SITE.
Distance: 50 km (31 mi) of trails.
Location: Craters of the Moon, near Huka Falls, just north of Taupō, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Tongariro River Trail
A grade two-loop track along both sides of the Tongariro River, this trail meanders through native bush with views into the crystal clear water. Find the Tongariro River Trail in the town of Turangi.
This family-friendly adventure whispers serenity, where the river’s lullaby meets swing-bridge delight. The 14-15 km loop near Tūrangi winds through pastoral farmland and native bush, showcasing one of the world’s most storied trout rivers.
Graded easy (Grade 2), it’s mostly flat with a gentle rise to a lookout. Expect charming features like two swing bridges, lush beech and mānuka stands, and frequent sightings of anglers, plus the elusive blue duck, whio.
For a good dose of local conservation context, drop into the Tongariro National Trout Centre.
Distance: 15 km (9 mi).
Location: Turangi, Waikato, North Island. The trail starts and ends in Turangi township.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Timber Trail
Embark on an epic forest adventure along this historic path through native bush. The Timber Trail, one of New Zealand’s iconic Great Rides, stretches 84-85 km between Pureora and Ongarue.
Cycle along old tram lines, cross soaring suspension bridges, including the 140 m (459 ft) Maramataha Bridge, and immerse yourself in ancient podocarp forest.
This Grade 2-3 trail is best enjoyed over two days, with an overnight stay at Piropiro’s campsite. Discover relics and stories of the area’s logging history as you pedal through this wilderness theatre.
Distance: 84-85 km (52-53 mi), 2 days.
Location: between Pureora and Ongarue, Waikato, North Island.
5. Te Iringa
Those with a “go hard or go home” mantra should test their mountain biking skills on this grade five-track. Te Iringa is a walking track but famous for its technical riding.
This adrenaline-fueled beast nestled in the Kaimanawa Forest Park is pure expert-level territory.
Ancient beech shadows guard steep, root-snarled climbs and sketchy switchbacks. You’ll be carrying your bike at times, this is real bikepacking territory, not your typical trail ride.
Distance: 38 km (24 mi) return.
Location: Kaimanawa Forest Park, starting along Clements Mill Road. The round trip demands 4-6 hours to reach either Tiki Tiki Stream or Oamaru Hut, your remote refuge if you choose to stay overnight.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. 42 Traverse
This grade three rugged and unmaintained 4WD track is one of the most popular on the North Island. 42 Traverse is best done in dry weather, as it can be a real mission on wet muddy ground!
Threading through State Forest 42, this 46 km (29 mi) adventure offers a unique combination of wilderness riding and a journey back to New Zealand’s logging era.
With a gentle overall descent of about 520–570 m, don’t be fooled, you’ll encounter ruts, washouts, river crossings and the occasional uphill grunt.
As you ride through regenerating native bush, you’ll be treated to volcanic vistas and glimpses of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Echo Canyon lookout provides a perfect breather before launching into one of the unforgettable downhill stretches.
Distance: 46 km (29 mi).
Location: Between Owhango and Kapoors Road near Taurewa.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Waikato River Trails
Cycle up to 100-104 km (62-65 miles) along New Zealand’s mightiest river on this multi-day great-ride gem. Just an hour’s drive from Taupō, the Waikato River Trails link wild forest, wetlands, hydro dams, and rustic riverside settlements.
Divided into five manageable sections ranging from Grade 3 intermediate to Grade 4 advanced, this trail offers something for everyone.
Along the way, you’ll roll past sweeping river panoramas, boardwalks over wetlands, suspension-bridge crossings, and majestic hydro lakes.
Highlights include the historic Arapuni Suspension Bridge, smooth riverside undulations, and a real sense of rural iwi and forestry heritage. For an easy section, try riding between Arapuni and Little Waipa.
Distance: 100-104 km (62-65 miles).
Location: Between Horahora Road, Piarere and Atiamuri, Waikato Region, North Island. About 60 km (37 mi) north of Taupō.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Tree Trunk Gorge
This grade four track delivers immediate thrills for adventure seekers. Epic riding awaits in Tree Trunk Gorge, where 8.4 km (5.2 mi) of raw, root-lined singletrack threads through Kaimanawa Forest Park.
Expect river crossings, dense beech stands, and icy streams that’ll give your tyres (and maybe your socks) a proper soaking.
Your turnaround point? The striking Pillars of Hercules, a rocky outcrop perfect for a breather.
Distance: 8.4 km (5.2 miles) return.
Location: South of Turangi. Between Kaimanawa Road and Tree Trunk Gorge Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Rotary Ride – Aratiatia
This scenic ride starts conveniently from the Taupo township. Begin your journey at Spa Park, where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural hot spring before continuing to the impressive Huka Falls.
From there, the Grade 3 (intermediate) trail gently traces the Waikato River through native bush and past punga groves, unveiling stunning views along the way.
For those seeking a longer adventure, continue on to the dramatic Aratiatia Dam. Time your ride to coincide with the dam’s opening times to witness the spectacular rapids: 10am, 12pm, 2pm (and 4pm in summer).
Distance: 9.6 km (6 mi) return to Huka Falls, or 14-19 km (8.7-11.8 mi) return to Aratiatia Dam.
Location: Between Taupo and Aratiatia Dam.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. The Great Lake Walkway – Lions Walk
For a lakeside cruise that’s equal parts soothing and scenic, The Great Lake Walkway, otherwise known as the Lion’s Walk delivers with charm and easy access.
This paved, Grade 1 (easy) pathway stretches roughly 10-12.7 km (6-8 mi) round trip, hugging Lake Taupō‘s shoreline from the Boat Harbour past Three-Mile Bay and toward Five-Mile Bay.
Whether you’re ambling, scooting, or pedaling, you’ll bask in unbeatable views of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe.
The path’s sprinkled with picnic spots, playgrounds, barbecues, restroom facilities, and easy parking, making it an ideal lakeside family outing.
Distance: 20.8 km (13 mi) return.
Location: Taupo to Five Mile Bay, Waikato, North Island.
© Felicity Witters - Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)More About Mountain Biking and Taupo
That’s it for our guide to bike trails around Lake Taupo; for more information about cycling in New Zealand, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Taupo.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
