6 minute read
Cycle the Great Lake Trails
WAIHAHA to WHAKAIPO BAY - 1-3 days, 84km
© AA Traveller 2021
Advertisement
© AA Traveller 2021
BEST FOR: Epic lake views – towering volcanic cliffs, lush native bush, deep gorges, sparking waterfalls.
As the result of one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history, Lake Taupō’s enormous crater is lined with pumice which has created free-draining soils meaning all-season terrain and year-round riding. This Grade 3 trail straddles the north-western corner of Lake Taupō and is split into three sections comprising the Waihaha, Kawakawa and Whakaipo sections. Each section is easily accessible from the lively hub of Kinloch and can be ridden in various combinations, or tackled all-in-one over the course of one to three days. Those taking on the entire stretch tend to work from the west to the east. Depending on your chosen route, shuttles may be required. There is now a choice of water taxis to transport cyclists to four points along the trail with a water taxi service taking trail users back to Kinloch or Taupō town!
Built for mountain bikers by mountain bikers, the trail is heaven for fans of single-trail riding, while the epic view over the lake and distant volcanoes offer a welcomed distraction. Expect long downhills as well as few challenging climbs, plenty of switchbacks and gorgeous little bays beckoning you in for dips.
RIDING THE TRAIL
WAIHAHA SECTION
The start of the Waihaha Section is a 40min drive from Kinloch at the Waihaha River car park off SH 32. The trail ends at the remote Waihora Bay, requiring a water taxi to rejoin the Great Lake Trails at Kawakawa Bay or return to Kinloch or Taupō town. If you have your own transport, the best way to tackle this section is to get a shuttle from Kinloch or Taupō town to drop you off at the trail start; the water taxi will then drop you off back at your car. Riders without transport should ask a local bike tour operator to sort their shuttle and the boat. Whatever you do, don’t let the logistics deter you – this is considered by many riders to be the best day out on the trails. Seriously fit and eager riders can make the logistics easier by self-driving and riding the trail as a 60km return trip. Another option is to cut the ride short after 13km by cycling up a farm trail (Waihaha Rd) back to Western Bays Rd.
The first half of this ride follows the Waihaha River high above a pretty gorge cloaked in native bush. Rocky outcrops command grand views over the volcanic landscape, with the spectacular Tīeke Falls a major highlight. The second half of the ride is equally scenic as it meanders around the lake edge. Highlights includerocky ravines, cliff-top lookouts across the lake to the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park, the mysterious Echo Rock, and the trail’s descent alongside Kōtukutuku Stream with its gushes and waterfalls. The trail ends at Kōtukutuku Landing in tranquil Waihora Bay where you can go for a dip while you wait for your boat. Note that a popular option from here is to get dropped off by the boat at Kawakawa Bay, for the lovely 10km ride through to Kinloch.
KAWAKAWA
The Kawakawa sections of the Great lake Trails can be started at Kinloch or the Ōrākau car park off Whangamata Rd, a 20min drive from Kinloch. Self-drivers are advised to park at Kinloch and get dropped off. The Ōrākau Trail from Whangamatā Road to Kawakawa Bay also makes a nice short ride, suitable for family groups and inexperienced riders. A gentle down hill ride that ends in a fun water taxi trip back to Kinloch. From the car park, the trail winds virtually downhill all the way to the lake on flowing single trail, passing through wetlands and regenerating forest and over boardwalk and ravines. Beautiful Kawakawa Bay marks the halfway point and is a great place to stop for a snack and a dip in the lake’s clear waters. There’s also a shelter and campsite here, which makes bike- packing an option for riders prepared to carry their tents and equipment.
It’s a 3km climb via switchbacks to get out of the bay. Then it’s a long, flowing descent towards Kinloch with plenty of eye-popping views across the lake to the western bays.
The Otaketake section opened late in 2019, this brilliant link can be ridden one way, return, or combined with the K2K Trail for a fabulous 32km loop. To reach the start of the Otaketake Trail from Kinloch, head west along the K2K for 3km where the new trail leaves the lakeshore to wind gently up through the Otaketake Stream Valley. It’s a fun 10km, featuring native bush, delightful birdlife, and spectacular viewpoints around the Lake Taupō area. After emerging from the bush, it’s another 2km of riding beside a country road to reach the Ōrākau car park on Whangamata Rd. You can start riding from here, rather than Kinloch, of course. The 32km loop combines the Otaketake with K2K, with anti-clockwise riding popular for providing the best ‘reveals’ around the lake edge. It’s also worth noting that combining these trail sections with Whakaipo Section gives the longest contagious ride on the Great Lake Trails – 46km of awesome riding with an optional9.5km on the Headland Loop to take it to the next level.
WHAKAIPO
The popular Whakaipo Section can be ridden in either direction but – despite its name – is most commonly started in Kinloch. From there the options are either to ride to Whakaipo Bay (13km) and return to Kinloch via water taxi or shuttle (Whakaipo Bay has a basic DOC campground for self-contained campers only and is accessible by road); ride as far as the top of the headland and circuit the popular Headland Loop (20km in all); or ride to Whakaipo Bay and back (26km) with the option of adding in the loop (9.5km). From the Kinloch marina, the trail climbs steadily through native bush onto the headland to meet the aptly named Headland Loop. This 9.5km trail is optional but, with stunning views out to Tongariro National Park and the Kaimanawa Ranges, it would be a shame to miss it! Where the Headland Loop trail rejoins the main trail it’s a fast and flowing descent to pretty Whakaipo Bay, popular with swimmers, picnickers and boaties. Return the same way or await your water taxi. Once again, this ride sees you finish in Kinloch where you can enjoy an ice cream or a meal, and watch the comings and goings in the marina.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAIL
• Kawakawa Bay is small, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in aesthetics.
• Sleepy Kinloch is a 20-minute drive from Taupō township with good cafés and a sandy bay. Three of the four trail sections are accessed from here, so it makes a good base.
• Kinloch Club is an awardwinning golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
• The large rocky overhang at Echo Rock looms over the trail like a frozen stone waterfall.
• Uphill slogs provide elevated views of Lake Taupō and the mountain peaks in Tongariro National Park.
• In the Waihaha section, discover a secret waterfall hidden deep in the Waihaha Valley and some secluded swimming spots.
• Come summer, you’ll want to swim in the pretty bays lapped by aqua-blue water.
Epic lake views
© Cam McKenzie
MORE MOUNTAIN BIKING, PLEASE
The 42 Traverse is known as the greatest mountain bike ride in the North Island, while the Rotary Ride traces the Waikato River for 6km all the way to Huka Falls. The Craters Mountain Bike Park is located on the outskirts of Taupō in Wairākei Forest and also connects to the Rotary Ride. Families tend to like the Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam Trail.
