GREAT LAKE TRAIL – Otaketake Trail completes a fine new loop (opening mid-December)

The Otaketake Trail, a brilliant new 12km link in the Great Lake Trail network, is going make a spectacular return ride or terrific 35km loop when combined with the Orakau and K2K trails.

This brand new trail is accessed from Kinloch, the most popular trailhead for Great Lake rides. It starts 3km west of the village along the Kinloch to Kawakawa (K2K) Trail, leaving the lakeshore to wind gently up through the Otaketake Stream Valley. Highlights include regenerating native bush, delightful birdlife, and spectacular viewpoints around the Lake Taupō area.

Built by local master trail builders, the fun Grade 3 (intermediate), all-weather trail meanders for 10km before emerging from the bush for a final 2km ride beside a country road to reach Whangamata Road car park and the start of the Orakau Trail.

The Otaketake can be ridden (or walked) in either direction and combined with the Orakau and K2K trails to form a 35km loop.

Check out the latest Great Lake Trail news here.

Mind-boggling views across Lake Taupō to the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. (Kennett Brothers).


TIMBER TRAIL – camp gets new glamping experince

The cool new Camp Epic glamping experience is now open at Piropiro.

A welcome addition to the Timber Trail’s mid-way accommodation options, Camp Epic is a fully serviced campground nestled into the bushy surrounds of Pureora Forest Park.

Fourteen large tents offer atmospheric, twin accommodation (linens supplied) with the bonus of birdsong in the morning. Cook your own meals in the camp kitchen, have a hot shower, recharge your cellphone. Then gather around the campfire to toast a marshmallow and make new friends under an inky black, star-filled night sky.

Camp Epic is run by trail transport stalwarts, Epic Cycle Adventures. They offer various packages combining glamping (or BYO tent, if you prefer), trail transport and luggage transfers.

Cosy canvas havens at pretty Piropiro, the Timber Trail's halfway point (Epic Cycle Adventures).


ALPS 2 OCEAN – new Tekapo start point

The Tekapo trailhead of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail has been relocated to a much more photogenic spot on the lakeshore, close to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.

Previously located in the shopping precinct alongside busy SH8, the start point is now at the Lakeside Carpark on Hamilton Drive where there’s much more room for parking, off-loading gear, and getting ready for your ride. Signage for the new start-point is now in place on the main highway so you can’t miss it. 

Before you set off, be sure to take a wander over the striking Tekapo Footbridge leading to the village. Even better, stay in Tekapo the night before so you can take a world-famous dark-sky tour! Find out more about the Dark Sky Project experiences here.

Visit the official A2O website to find out more.

The Church of the Good Shepherd – super-cute Instagram star (bennettandslater.co.nz).

AROUND THE MOUNTAINS – new website & interpretation panels

Planning and enjoying Southland’s Great Ride just got easier thanks to a comprehensive new website and on-trail interpretation panels.

The Around the Mountains website is full of inspiration as well as information – providing section descriptions; suggested itineraries; transport, dining and accommodation options; plus suggestions of things to see, do and eat along the way. Check it out now to see why the ATM should be the next trip on your biking bucket list.

On the trail, the natural and human history of this spectacular and varied journey is bought to life through 28 new interpretation panels along the 186km Around the Mountains route. Packed with local stories, pointing out landmarks, and assisting with wayfaring, they’ll help you stay on track and soak up a stack of good stories to tell the folks back home. 

Chris installs a fab new information panel at Walter Peak (Around the Mountains Cycle Trail).

 

Trail manager Susan lends a hand (Around the Mountains Cycle Trail).