The Great Lake Trail will follow the western shore of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. The trail will offer an enjoyable all-weather riding experience through native forest where you can enjoy stunning views across Lake Taupo to Tongariro National Park.
Riders will have the option of riding the full trail over 2-3 days or choosing to use a water taxi to opt for a range of shorter riding options depending on level of experience and the time available. Riders will also be able to complete either the full trail or sections of the ride while still having your bags delivered to your overnight destination.
Sections open
The first part of the Great Lake Trail, approximately 33 kilometres, has already been constructed by Bike Taupo and includes the popular W2K Track. The funding from Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project will be used to construct the remaining 60 kilometres of the track through to the Waihaha Road Bridge on State Highway 32.
A feasibility study is now being developed to confirm plans for the remainder of the trail. This study will involve pricing and checking the visions proposed in the concept plans to ensure the full trail can be built and will deliver what is promised. As part of its feasibility study, Bike Taupo is currently undergoing consultation with local landowners, the Department of Conservation, and other organisations. The aim will be to achieve what will be a fantastic cycling experience in a part of the region which is otherwise hard to get to and has stunning scenery.
Cycle route directions
There are two sweet slices of single track ready-to-ride on the Great Lake Trail right now, the W2K Track and Kawakawa Bay. Start by driving 13km from Taupo to the start of the trail at Whakaipo Bay. From the western end of Whakaipo Bay there is a signboard and the first of many marker posts that will lead you over a prominent spur to Kinloch Village. This section is 14km long, and takes around two hours. When you enter Kinloch Village, keep a sharp eye out for the marker posts that lead you through a marina and past the local store. At the western end of Kinloch Bay another single track leads to Kawakawa Bay, 14km away. Further updates will be added to this website as new sections of trail are opened for use.
Best time to ride
The Great Lake Trail can be ridden in all seasons. The track’s pumice soil surface and also means that in even in wet weather there is normally little or no mud on the trail. Once completed, the Great Lake Trail will offer a multi-stage riding experience with shorter stages more suitable for beginners, and others for intermediate cyclists.
Getting there
Primary access to the trail will be by road and/or water taxi. It is proposed that there will be five places on the lake where cyclists can be dropped off or picked up by boat. Kinlock already has existing accommodation.
Trail partners
Bike Taupo, Taupo District Council, the Department of Conservation and The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.
