Waihora Trail - Great Lake Trails

Ride amongst vast stands of Kamahi, through volcanic rock formations and past the intriguing Echo Rock before you start to descend down the Kotukutuku Stream.

Proudly part of the Great Rides New Zealand

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Trail Stats and Map

  • Distance
    14.2 Km
  • Time
    1.5 hrs Cycling | 2.5 hrs Walking
  • Ability
    Grade 3 | Intermediate
  • Trail Type
    Forrest | Pumice | Shared use

Elevation

Off road trails can be narrow and may include hill climbs and steep drop-offs. The trail surface is mostly firm, but may include muddy or loose sections. There may be obstacles to avoid.

Elevation

Elevation | 493m

Climb | 5.2km

Descent | 6.3km

Flat | 2.7km

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Riding the Waihaha Trail

From the Waihaha Road junction, the trail continues along towards Kotukutuku Landing. This section is extraordinarily beautiful with big blue skies and expansive views from the Waihora lookout across Lake Taupo to the majestic volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.

Ride amongst vast stands of Kamahi, through volcanic rock formations and past the intriguing Echo Rock before you start to descend down the Kotukutuku Stream via the unique engineering feat of bridges, platforms and boardwalks. You will emerge onto the beach in a tranquil bay where you will meet your pre-booked boat transfer across to Kinloch.

Transport out from the end of the Waihaha section of the trail at Kotukutuku Landing is by pre-booked boat shuttle only. There is no trail link between the end of the Waihaha section and the Kawakawa section.

Find out everything you need to plan for these tracks on Plan My Walk

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The Great Lake Trails are proud to be part of Ngā Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trails network.

Complete the Great Lake Trails survey

Help us improve your trail experience. Complete our survey to be in the draw to win a $200nzd Torpedo7 voucher.

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Bike shuttles, guides & tours

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  • Activities & tours

    Camp Epic - Timber Trail Shuttles, Hire, Glamping

    Shuttles, bike/ebike hire and glamping accommodation on the Timber Trail - one of New Zealand's Great Rides.

  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Tree Trunk Gorge Guided Mountain Bike

    This is a short but beautiful track that weaves its way through native forest and includes a short steep climb, a picturesque river ford and some wooden bridges. This is an intermediate trail with lots of fun to be had.

    $115 Book now
  • Mountain biking

    FourB - Great Lake Trails 2-Day All Inclusive Package

    Two nights B&B accommodation, meals and transport to mountain bike the Great Lake Trails over 2 days including the boat transfer from Waihaha on the first day and the K2K/W2K sections on the second day.

    $549 Book now
  • Airport shuttles

    FourB - Great Lake Trails Shuttles

    Shuttle transfers for all sections of the Great Lake Trails in Taupo including booking the water taxi transfer from the Waihaha section in the Western Bays of Lake Taupo.

    $45 - $150 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    FourB - Waihaha Road & Boat Transfer Package

    The Great Lake Trail Waihaha-Waihora section Including return road transfer, scenic boat transfer and bike hire to enjoy one of the best one day trails in the North Island. Some previous trail riding is important as it is an intermediate trail.

    $295 - $325 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Chris Jolly Outdoors - Guided Biking

    Take a tour of the Biking Capital of New Zealand with Chris Jolly Outdoors. Lake Taupo offers some of the most stunning scenic bike trails, and a guided bike tour is the perfect way to enjoy the experience..

    $740 - $1,000 Book now
  • Cycle Hire

    Adventure Shuttles

    Whether you want to hike it, bike it, taste it or just go see it Adventure Shuttles helps you get the buzz in the beautiful Central North Island.

    $30 - $1,000
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Tongariro Mountain Bikes

    Southern Lake Taupo has some of the best mountain bike country in New Zealand. We know trails that ride through stunning scenery, immersing you in native forest and along side magnificent rivers full of trout and can be relaxing or challenging.

    $65 - $299
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Overnight e-Bike Adventures

    Join us for the ultimate private mountain e-biking adventure in the Central North Island and stay in a luxurious remote lodge for the night. You will experience a truly private, wilderness adventure, with your very own on-site accommodation and host.

    $595 Book now
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