Bike Trails in the Waikato Region
Where can you get on your bike in the Waikato region? Luckily, just above anywhere along the mighty Waikato River thanks to two multi-day trails following its banks! The Waikato region of the North Island is home to three of the New Zealand Great Rides, as well as having a few excellent mountain bike parks for those who enjoy an adrenaline rush. There are cycle trails in the Waikato suitable for all styles and abilities, taking in tremendous river and lake scenery and passing through quaint towns and villages. Waikato is also home to the Avantidrome – a 250m (273-yard) velodrome track just outside of Cambridge. Find out more about the Waikato cycle trails with this guide to mountain biking in Waikato.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in 10 Great Bike Trails on the North Island and Mountain Biking in New Zealand: A Complete Guide.
The Grades of Difficulty for Mountain Biking in New Zealand
As you’ll see from the trail descriptions below, there are varying difficulties for cycling trails in New Zealand. It’s important to assess your own fitness and ability before venturing on a bike trail, so you can find something either challenging enough or not too much of a mission.
- Grade 1 – Easiest track with a smooth, flat surface.
- Grade 2 – Easy with some gentle climbs and avoidable obstacles like rocks.
- Grade 3 – Intermediate with steep hills and some avoidable obstacles.
- Grade 4 – Advanced level track with long steep sections, narrow tracks and obstacles you might have to ride over.
- Grade 5 – Expert is technically and physically challenging.
- Grade 6 – Extreme level is for people who know their shit. Possible manmade or natural jumps.
© Hamilton & Waikato TourismWaikato River Trails (Grade 3-4)
Distance: 103km (64 miles)
Time: 3 days
Located in the South Waikato, the Waikato River Trails follows New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato River, from Lake Karapiro in the north to Atiamuri in the south.
The ride can be done in one go or split into five sections to make day rides.
Pokaiwhenua Bridge to Arapuni – 11.5km (7.1 Miles)
This popular section of the trail is an easy ride with highlights including a wetland boardwalk which extends 500m (1640ft).
Arapuni Village to Waipapa Dam – 36km (22.4 Miles)
This section of the trail is more varied and advanced with grade 4 sections of trail. Cross the 80m (262ft) long suspension bridge and enjoy views of the river.
Waipapa Dam to Mangakino Lakefront – 19km (11.8 Miles)
This part of the trail incorporates rides through native forest and forestry trails. It’s the most remote section of the trail.
Mangakino Lakefront to Whakamaru Dam – 12.1km (7.6 Miles)
Ride along the lakefront of Mangakino, cross a 70m (230ft) long suspension bridge and stop by the small-town cafes along the way,
Whakamaru Dam to Atiamuri Bridge Carpark – 23.5km (14.6 Miles)
Enjoy expansive views across Lake Whakamaru with a few grade 3 sections of the trail to negotiate.
© Tourism New ZealandHauraki Rail Trail (Grade 1)
Distance: 160km (99.4 miles)
Time: 3-4 days
Enjoy one of the easiest multi-day bike trails in New Zealand located in the northern region of the Waikato. Ride from Kaiaua to Matamata, taking a detour to Waihi if you choose.
The trail can be done all together or in separate sections to make day rides.
Kaiaua to Thames – 55km (34.2 Miles)
Ride along the “Shorebird Coast”, stopping by bird hides and hot springs along the way.
Thames to Paeroa – 32km (19.9 Miles)
Start from the historic gold mining town of Thames and make your way through farmland passing cheese factories and wineries.
Paeroa to Waihi – 24km (14.9 Miles)
This ride incorporates Karangahake Gorge, a stunning river gorge with gold mining relics and tunnels to ride through.
Paeroa to Te Aroha – 23km (14.3 Miles)
Take a leisurely ride through farmland on your way to the Edwardian historic spa town of Te Aroha. Bathe at the mineral spas or climb Mt Te Aroha.
Te Aroha to Matamata – 37km (23 Miles)
See the North Island’s highest waterfall, Wairere Falls, as you ride toward the Hobbit town of Matamata.
Find out more about each town and their attractions in 6 Hauraki Rail Trail Towns You Can’t Miss.
© NZPocketGuide.comThe Timber Trail (Grade 2-3)
Distance: 85km (53 Miles)
Time: 2 days
For a backcountry cycling adventure in the Waikato, choose the Timber Trail. Starting from Pureora and ending in Ongarue, the Timber Trail delves into the native forest of the Pureora Forest Park – an area once heavily forested but now protected and reviving with regenerating forest and birdlife.
The ride can be done in two days, staying at the Piropiro Campsite or Timber Trail Lodge overnight, or split into day rides by starting at said accommodations.
Pureora to Piropiro – 40km (24.9 Miles)
The trail starts at an easy gradient before climbing through the forest. There is the option to stop at a tramping track to climb to the summit of Mt Pureora (40min one-way) then the bike trail continues to the highest point of the trail before an 18km (11 Miles) downhill blast. This section of the trail ends at the Piropiro Campsite.
Piropiro to Ongarue – 45km (28 Miles)
This section of the trail has a range of gradients going through lush forest. A highlight is crossing the Maramataha Bridge and the only rideable railway spiral in the world. There are around 18 bridges to cross in total. The trail ends at Ongarue.
© Hamilton & WaikatoTe Awa – The Great New Zealand River Ride (Grade 2)
Distance: 70km (43.4 miles)
Time: 1-3 days
More cycle trails along the Waikato River awaits at the Te Awa Trail. This easy grade 2 trail between Ngaruawahia and Lake Karapiro. The ride follows the Waikato River through Hamilton and Cambridge.
The ride is usually done in sections rather than a multi-day venture. Here are the sections:
- Ngaruawahia to Horotiu – 9km (5.6 miles)
- Horotiu to Hamilton City – 4.5km (2.8 miles)
- Hamilton City – 15.5km (9.6 miles)
- Hamilton to Avantidrone – 18km (11.2 miles)
- Avantidrome to Cambridge – 3.2km (2 miles)
- Cambridge to Mighty River Domain, Lake Karapiro – 15.2km (9.5 miles)
See more things to do in Hamilton in The Complete Guide to Hamilton.
© Tony Foster on FlickrRaglan Cycle Trails (Grade 3)
Not just a surf town, Raglan on the west coast of the Waikato has a few excellent day rides to tackle.
Mt Karioi Loop
This 45km (28-mile) loop starts from Raglan town centre and circumvents a 2.4 million-year-old volcano, Mt Karioi. The trails mostly follow gravel roads and farm roads soaking in views of the west coast beaches and the mountain.
Pipiwharauroa Trail/Te Umu Windfarm
Get close to the giant wind turbines on the 18km (11.2-mile) return ride of the Pipiwharauroa Trail. The trail goes over farmland with some steep rolling terrain. Note that the trail is closed from August to October for the lambing season.
Te Ara Kakariki
This is essentially a mountain bike park with 6.1km (3.8 miles) of trails just outside of the town. The trails are shared with walkers and horseriders. Mountain bike trail range from easy to intermediate.
© PixabayMountain Bike Parks in the Waikato
For downhill thrills, set your sights on these Waikato mountain bike parks and dedicated mountain bike trails.
Cougar Mountain Bike Park, Tokoroa
Take on 14 different rides with trails for every ability. The mountain bike park is in a forest setting with 35km (21.7 miles) of trails to choose from. Access is off Mossop Road in Tokoroa.
Te Miro Mountain Bike Park, Cambridge
Popular with all kinds of riders, the Te Miro Mountain Bike Park has 20km (12.4 miles) of trails to tackle ranging from 500m (0.3 miles) to 3km (1.9 miles) long. The park is located 20-minutes drive northeast of Cambridge via Waterworks Road.
Hamilton Mountain Bike Track
This single mountain bike track in the northern city limits of Hamilton flows through 10km (6.2 miles) of trail which is suitable for beginners and fun for advanced riders when catching a bit of speed. Access to the trail is off Maui Street.
More About Mountain Biking in Waikato
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 [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
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