Great Lake Trail

GREAT LAKE TRAIL
Cycling Great Lake Trail © Bike Taupo
BELOW LEFT: Taking a leap, Taupo
BELOW RIGHT: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing;
BOTH © Destination Great Lake Taupō
2 DAYS
71km
GREAT LAKE
Trail
The stunning Great Lake Trail follows the shores
The Great Lake Trail can be ridden in
of beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest
all seasons due to its volcanic pumice
lake, from Waihaha to Whakaipo Bay.
Trail Info
surface, however the track can be
slippery in places when wet. Knobbly
mountain bike tyres are advisable at all
T
his trail was officially opened
sections of trail that can be ridden as
times of the year. There can be a cold
in April 2014 and provides
standalone rides. A water taxi can ferry
wind blowing off the mountains, even
71km of all-weather riding
riders and bikes to four access points
in summer, and parts of the Great Lake
along the trail.
Trail are exposed and remote, so be
through native forest with views across
Lake Taupo to the majestic Tongariro
National Park.
The Great Lake Trail is a Grade
Taupo is an International Mountain
Riders have the option of riding the full
reasonable level of fitness is required to
Biking Association (IMBA) Silver Level
trail over two days or choosing shorter
ride the entire trail. Mountain bikes with
Ride Centre and the Great Lake Trail
riding options to suit fitness, experience
front suspension are recommended.
forms part of the Taupo trail network
that has been awarded this recognition.
TRAIL GRADES:
WAIHAHA TO KOTUKUTUKU
STREAM - GRADE 3
(INTERMEDIATE)
WHANGAMATA RD TO
LOOK OUT FOR...
KAWAKAWA BAY & KINLOCH -
Lake Taupo – the ‘Great Lake’
Tongariro National Park
Lake Taupo’s reputation as a trout
the size of Singapore. An abundance of
Views of this magnificent national park
fishing haven stretches across the globe,
56
71km
prepared.
3 (Intermediate) cycle trail, so a
and the time available. There are three
2 Days
GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)
W2K (KINLOCH TO WHAKAIPO
BAY) - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)
brown and rainbow trout can be fished
are visible along the trail. The park’s
and this is in no
all year round here (with a licence).
landscape and
MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE:
small part due
But this is just one activity of the many
scenery ranges
Cell phone coverage is limited
to its massive
on offer; get a feel for the immensity
from desert to
outside of Taupo.
size. This is the
of Lake Taupo by kayaking, canoeing,
vast tussock land,
biggest lake
wind surfing or sailing. Walking and
mountain beech
in Australasia
mountain biking tracks along the shore
forest and
and is roughly
are also popular.
wetlands.
DRINKING WATER: Carry enough
drinking water for the entire trip.
Waihaha Bridge
Whakaipo Bay
13-22.5km
WHANGAMATA ROAD
CAR PARK
Whangamata Road
to Taupo 11km
tapu
toilets
boat / water taxi route
car park
start / finish point
camping
bridge
accommodation
Puke
open section
Orakau
(Chinamans)
Track
Whangamata Road
1 state highway
K2K Track
café/restaurant
KAWAKAWA BAY
Kotukutuku Stream
32
KINLOCH
Whangamata
Bay
Boat Harbour
Western Bay Road
Ngangautu
794m
W2K Track
WAIHORA BAY
WHAKAIPO BAY
WAIHAHA BRIDGE
Te Tuhi Point
Wh
Te Poroporo Point
Waihaha Track
a
ng
am
ata Bluffs
Headland
Loop
Waihaha River
Lake Taupo
(Taupo-nui-a-Tia)
© AA Traveller 2015
RIDING THE TRAIL
“...The trail complements the region’s reputation as
This is a two-day trail, but if you’re very fit
track towards the lake. There are a few
and make an early start, you can ride from
fantastic lookouts on the way. After 14km
Waihaha Bridge to Whakaipo Bay in one
you will pass a toilet and some signs. There
day. You will be riding for a minimum of
are no large hills in this section of the trail,
eight hours, plus half an hour for a boat trip
but quite a few small ones. When you are
to connect the two halves. You can get a
30km from the car park, the trail descends
shuttle from Taupo or Kinloch and arrange
steeply via a series of bridges and
for the water taxi to pick you up at 1pm.
boardwalks, past Kotukutuku Waterfall, to
Transport can be arranged by Tread Routes
a beautiful beach on Lake Taupo’s shores.
(www.treadroutes.co.nz), Great Lake
This is the end of this section of the trail;
Shuttles (www.greatlakeshuttles.co.nz), or
there is a shelter and toilets here. From
Chris Jolly Outdoors (www.chrisjolly.co.nz).
Kotukutuku, it is either a long ride back to
a year-round cycling destination and adds to the
already extensive network of MTB tracks...”
Bike Taupo Chairperson, Rowan Sapsford
the road, or book the boat to take you to
Waihaha to Kotukutuku
Stream, 30km
The start of the trail is 54km from Taupo, on
the south side of the Waihaha River Bridge
Kawakawa Bay where the trail resumes.
Whangamata Rd car park
to Kawakawa Bay & Kinloch,
19km
on Western Bays Rd (SH 32). From the car
park, weave through forest on a flowing
Waihora, Great Lake Trail ©
Destination Great Lake Taupō
From the Whangamata Rd car park,
the trail follows the Orakau Stream
the long downhill to Kinloch. There are
the hill then you can add 10km to your trip
and harakeke (flax) wetland through
a couple of cafés at Kinloch, as well as
by doing the signposted Headland Loop.
regenerating native bush down to
toilets and picnic areas.
There is a shelter and toilet 900m from
Kawakawa Bay. The trail is mostly downhill
and offers views across the lake to the
volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.
From Kawakawa Bay, where there is
Cycling Great Lake Trail
© Bike Taupo
the top of the climb where the Headland
W2K (Kinloch to Whakaipo
Bay) and Headland Loop,
13-22.5km
Loop rejoins the main track. From there,
it’s downhill to Whakaipo Bay where there
is a recreation area with another shelter
shelter and toilets, a well graded climb
From Kinloch, the final section climbs
and toilets. This is 13km from Taupo via
leads to a rocky lookout. Take in the views
gently over the headland to Whakaipo
Acacia Bay. Arrange for a pick-up or pedal
and catch your breath before enjoying
Bay. If you are feeling fresh at the top of
into Taupo.
57
GREAT LAKE TRAIL
Road
Kinloch
9.2km
9.8km
MAP LEGEND
hill / mountain
Kawakawa Bay
Whangamata
Road car park
Kotukutuku Stream
30km
GREAT LAKE TRAIL
things to do...
Waihaha Waterfall
© Destination Great Lake Taupō
Artist’s Palette © Orakei Korako
Orakei Korako
Also known as ‘the Hidden Valley’,
this thermal wonderland has silica
terraces and caves and more active
geysers than any other geothermal
field in the country.
ALONGSIDE
THE TRAIL
The scenery is the star of
the show alongside this trail.
There is a picture-worthy
view around every corner.
Don’t miss the Waihaha Waterfall,
a great place to stop and relax along
which can be seen along the Waihaha
your journey. The town has a couple of
to Kotukutuku Stream section of the
cafés, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf club
trail. This picturesque waterfall is about
and accommodation options, and you
8-10m high.
can take a fishing charter, scenic cruise
Kawakawa Bay, on the northern shores
or water taxi ride from the Kinloch
of Lake Taupo, is a gorgeous spot for a
Marina.
break along the trail. As well as having
The Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve
shelter and toilet facilities, it also has a
is a former farm that is being restored
pretty picnic spot.
by plantings with the aim of it becoming
Kinloch is a small town on the shores
a great recreational area. Whakaipo Bay
of Lake Taupo, and one of the most
is one of Lake Taupo’s most beautiful
populated places along the trail. With
bays, so the views are breathtaking. Free
brilliant lake and mountain views, it’s
camping is available here.
The Barbary & Kayakers at the
Maori Rock Carvings
© Destination Great Lake Taupō
Maori Rock Carvings
These impressive carvings at Mine
Bay, Lake Taupo, are over 10m high
and can only be seen from the water.
Taupo
a cloak or cape • 84km SW of Rotorua on SH 1
absolute
motel
lakeview
• 24 refurbished units
• Lakefront, 50m to town
• Family & studio units
• Indoor heated swimming pool / spa pool / sauna
• Quality well-appointed units
• Heat pumps / flatscreen TVs
• FREE wireless internet
• Off-street parking
Absolute Lakeview Motel
58 Lake Terrace, Taupo | Ph: 07 378 4440
Email: stay@absolutelakeview.co.nz
Reservations Freephone: 0800 72 42 72
Book Online @ www.absolutelakeview.co.nz
ort tel at Rainbow Point
p
r
i
A
Mo
book @ www.airportmoteltaupo.co.nz
Cottage-style units in tranquil grounds.
Ideal for boaties with plenty of parking
and close to 2 Mile Bay boat ramp &
Lions walkway.
Restaurant & dairy adjacent.
A cosy log fire in our lounge & opening
onto a sunny deck and BBQ area.
BOOK DIRECT FREEPHONE: 0800 106 006
Rainbow Drive (PO Box 42), Taupo
Your Hosts: John & Shona White
Phone: 07 378 9681 • Fax: 07 378 9684
www.airportmoteltaupo.co.nz
Reception hours: 8am-9.30pm
6]J$TZ2GEB=X
Email: stay@airportmoteltaupo.co.nz
TAUPO
ACAPULCO
MOTOR INN
MOTELS
5 Whirlpool Units
■ 20 ground-floor rooms, serviced daily
■ 3 studio units with king-size beds
& spa baths
■ 5 studio rooms, 7 x 2-bedroom, 5 x
1-bedroom with self-filled whirlpools
■ Apartment – fully s/c (sleeps 6)
■ BBQ area ■ Children’s play area ■ Gym
■ 1 accessible unit ■ No traffic noise
■ Small conference/display rooms
■ Air-con/heat pumps in all units
■ Internet & email facilities ■ FREE WiFi
■ Off-street parking ■ Private spa pool
New Zealand’s
Premier Motel Group
19 Rifle Range Rd, Taupo
Email: stay@acapulcotaupo.co.nz
www.acapulcotaupo.co.nz
www.acapulcotaupo.co.nz
58
Reservations: 0800 378 7174
Book Direct for best prices and
service!
ALL SEASONS KIWI
HOLIDAY PARK TAUPO
Stay once, Stay always...
• Great central accommodation fo
for Taupo
Cycle Trails
• HAPNZ Cycle Hub Member & Bike Hire
• Advice & maps for rides to suit all
• Have contacts for bike mechanic & shuttle service
16 Rangatira St,
PO Box 122, Taupo
P 07 378 4272 F 07 378 1272
reservations@allseasons.nzl.com
Freecall reservations: 0800 777 272 www.taupoallseasons.co.nz
GREAT LAKE TRAIL
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Taking in the blooms at the Taupo Botanical
Garden © Destination Great Lake Taupō
GREAT LAKE TRAIL
Asure Ascot Motor Inn Taupo
70 Rifle Range Rd, Taupo
P: 07 377 2474 • Reservations Freephone: 0800 800 670
E: info@ascotattaupo.co.nz • www.ascotattaupo.co.nz
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15 spacious modern units
Lake & mountain vistas or private courtyards
Large 2-bedroom apartment-style units
Very comfortable accessible units
Spacious conveniently appointed studios
Most units with spa baths
Cooking facilities
Electric blankets & cosy bedding on all beds
Free on-site parking & guest laundry available
Corporate rates available
Seasonal or special event rates may apply
Reservations . info@ascotattaupo.co.nz
TAUPO GARDENS
A favourite holiday
Taupo buzzes with action-packed
destination, Taupo is
recreation and geothermal activity,
strategically placed on
but this lively town has a softer side.
the northern shores of
Taupo possesses many beautiful parks
Australasia’s largest lake,
and gardens, including the Taupo Rose
Gardens with more than 500 roses
Lake Taupo.
bushes, and the beautifully maintained
Waipahihi Botanical Reserve.
chevron motel
Craters Bike
Park Café
LAKE TAUPO • NEW ZEALAND
Get your passes and maps
TO R
ETO
KAR
HUB
Kitchen Cafe
HUKA
S RD
FALL
102 Tamamutu St, TAUPO • P: 07 378 7360 • E: chevron@reap.org.nz
KARAPITI RD
THERMAL EXPLORERE HWY
• Adjacent RSA and Cosmopolitan Club, • 4-channel Sky Digital TV. 32” TVs.
5min walk to lake.
• Tariff: $99-$125 (2 persons),
• Off-street parking suitable for cars,
2-brm units $125-$160,
trailers and boats.
extra person $20. Peak/seasonal
rates may apply.
D
from us and get your kick-start
• Central location, 1 block to town
centre, cafés, restaurants.
• 14 modern 1 & 2-brm units with
heat pumps, separate lounge &
kitchen.
FREEPHONE: 0800 CHEVRON (243 876)
www.chevron-motel.co.nz • HOSTS: Allan & Glenys
with our stunning Weka coffee
plus you can fuel up from our
menu or cabinet.
415 Huka Falls Road, Taupo | Phone: 07 374 8153
Email: hubkitchencafe@gmail.com
TAUPO
GREAT LAKE TAUPO
HOLIDAY PARK
Perfect base for Taupo Cycle Trails
Closest Park to Kinloch’s popular trails
Bike hire
Trail maps available
Self-contained units
Cabins
406 Acacia Bay Road
PO Box 171, Taupo 3351
P 07 378 5159
E info@greatlake.co.nz
Freecall reservations: 0800 473 280 www.greatlake.co.nz
60
Quiet location - only 500m to lake
& town centre
Lake & mountain views
Large apartment-style units
Ideal for families/groups
Comfortable, well-appointed rooms
WiFi
Off-street parking
Motorbike & bicycle storage
12 Fletcher St, Taupo
Ph: 07 378 9366
Email: info@mountain-view-motel.co.nz
www.mountainviewmotel.co.nz
RESERVATIONS: 0800 146 6835
EGSR[6
GREAT LAKE TRAIL
18th green © Kinloch Golf Club
things to do...
Did You Know?
The Jack Nicklaus-designed Kinloch
Club golf course has often been
Cruising on the lake © Destination Great Lake Taupō
compared to the classic link courses
in Scotland and Ireland. But instead
of sea views, this world-class
championship Par 72 course is
positioned between panoramic views
TRAIL
HIGHLIGHT
of Lake Taupo and the natural beauty of
rugged farmland.
The course was ranked New Zealand’s
Lake Taupo, the biggest lake
in Australasia and roughly the
size of Singapore, is actually
an active supervolcano.
number one golf course in 2014 by New
Zealand golf professionals and is rated
76th of the top 100 golf courses outside
of America by Golf Digest Magazine.
Lake Taupo was formed by the massive
thrill, flyboarding, where high-pressure
Oruanui Eruption, blowing a 660sq km
water nozzles propel you out of the
hole in the earth and sending ash flying
water and into the air. There are plenty
all over the world. But that was around
of land-based activities to explore too
27,000 years ago and now that the dust
around the lake. One of Taupo’s most
has settled and the caldera (collapsed
popular walking trails is the Lions
crater) has been partly filled by our
Walk, or the Great Lake Walkway, which
largest lake, it is a fantastic spot for all
is an easy stroll along the lake edge,
sorts of fun. It’s a world-renowned trout-
beginning at Two Mile Bay Boat Ramp
fishing paradise and used for myriad
and following the shoreline south. You
water-based activities, from kayaking
can also take a scenic flight from the
the lake shore and scenic cruises to
lake itself in a floatplane.
parasailing, jet skiing and the latest
99 Titiraupenga St, Taupo
Phone: 07 378 5754
rainbowlodge@clear.net.nz
www.rainbowlodge.co.nz
TONGARIRO ST
To Auckland,
Rotorua
RUAPEHU
ST
CE
BUS St.
• Luxury spacious apartments • Individual thermal pools
• 21m heated pool • Undercover in-house parking
• Gymnasium • 32/42-inch LCD TVs • Cycle storage available
ET
Pak n’Save
To Tongariro
National Park,
Wellington,
Napier
LAK
D
AR
PAORA
HAPI ST
TANIWHA ST
TAMAMUTU ST
TITIRAUPENGA ST
HOROMOTANGI ST
Rainbow
Lodge
SP
We have a fleet of Specialised
“Hard Rock” and Avanti mountain
bikes.
Advice and route maps available at
time of hire. There are excellent routes
up to the Huka Falls and the Aratiatia
Dam, as well as the exciting Craters of
the Moon tracks.
Our bikes are available for both guests
and non-guests alike - a credit card or
passport bond is required.
SACRED WATERS
Lake
Taupo
Ph: 0800 727437 • 07 374 8066
Luxury Lake Edge Accommodation
Luxury Apartments
TAUPO, NEW ZEALAND
Book direct,
bring in this
ad & receive
10% off
SPECTACULAR
WHITE-WATER JET BOATING
W
& AMAZING SCENERY!
reservations advisable • www.rapidsjet.com • info@rapidsjet.com
221-225 Lake Terrace, TAUPO
P: 07 376 1400
E: info@sacredwaters.co.nz
Book Direct @ www.sacredwaters.co.nz • Freephone: 0800 722 733
61
GREAT LAKE TRAIL
Taking in the Mighty Huka Falls
© Destination Great Lake Taupō
Fishing, Turangi © Destination Great
Lake Taupō
NEARBY
DESTINATIONS
It is hardly surprising that Huka Falls
basin. A bridge crosses the chasm
is a re-creation of the original terraces
Turangi is the perfect destination if
are New Zealand’s best known falls; a
just above the falls, with a number of
that once existed at Wairakei and their
you’re into nature and sensational
visit here is an exhilarating (and free!)
viewing points.
beauty is striking. You can take an
scenery. Trout fishing is synonymous
independent stroll along the walkway
with Turangi and anglers flock from
to marvel at the pink, blue and white
far and wide to catch a monster trout
cascading silica terraces, but a guided
here. Other activities in Turangi include
tour provides a better understanding of
rafting, scenic walks and biking trails,
the site.
the Tongariro National Trout Centre, mini
experience. Not far from their source in
Lake Taupo, the waters of the Waikato
River rush at almost 250,000 litres (two
Olympic-size pools) per second through
a sudden chasm and leap over an 11m
ledge to foam in a deep semicircular
Call +64 07 378 8559
76 Napier-Taupo Road
info@taupodebretts.com
www.taupodebretts.co.nz
If you wish to combine Maori culture
with the wonder of silica terraces and
geothermal activity, then a visit to
Wairakei Terraces should be high
on the itinerary. This man-made design
5-star Qualmark/Holiday Park overlooking Lake
Taupo with a bed for all budgets:
• Cycle Hub • FREE WiFi
• Villas, Lodges, Chalets, Motels, Cabins,
Campervans & Campsites
• Children’s Playground, Big Bounce Air Pad
& 3 hydroslides
• Hot Springs & Water Park
• Day Spa & Café
golf and soaking in thermal pools.
Ph: 07 386 7929 Mob: 0274 700 783
PHONE AHEAD FOR A COFFEE OR A PACKED LUNCH!
Café:
• On the Tongariro River Trail
• Pre or post-ride supreme coffee
• Breakfast & lunches • Take-out lunches
• Cooked breakfast Sat & Sun 8-11am
• All food made fresh daily on site
• Guide services
Turangi
after Chief Turangi Tukua • 52km SW of Taupo on SH 1
TURANGI
TURANGI KIWI
HOLIDAY PARK
Mountains
, lakes, rivers - explore!
Closest Kiwi Park to the Tongariro National Park and
Ruapehu skifields
• We are in the centre of it all • Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Central Plateau has 3
from here
mountains & the majestic
• Accommodation to suit everyone
Lake Taupo
– sites, cabins, motels
13 Te Reiti Tamara Grove
(off Ohuanga Rd), Turangi
P: 07 386 8754
E: turangihp@xtra.co.nz
Freecall reservations: 0800 386 875 www.turangiholidaypark.co.nz
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TACKLE SHOP:
All your tackle needs • Licences
Check us out:
www.turangiflyfish.com • www.creeltackle.com • info@creeltackle.com