Part of the Waihaha Section of the Great Lake Trails, the Waihaha Link trail starts at the Waihaha River carpark and follows the Waihaha River towards Lake Taupō.
Part of the Waihaha Section of the Great Lake Trails, the Waihaha Link trail starts at the Waihaha River carpark and follows the Waihaha River towards Lake Taupō, Views over the volcanic landscape, with the spectacular Tieke Falls a major highlight.
Part of the Waihaha Section of the Great Lake Trails, the Waihaha Link trail starts at the Waihaha River carpark and follows the Waihaha River towards Lake Taupō.
Elevation | 535m
Climb | 5.2km
Descent | 4.8km
Flat | 2.4km
Elevation in Meters / Kilometers
At the Waihaha River carpark (Western Bay Road, Waihaha), you will find a shelter with a map and information board (note the toilet is 50m or so down the track). From here, the trail follows the river downstream for a few hundred metres before it crosses the river on a swingbridge.
The trail then gently climbs up onto the cliffs above the river and follows the course of the river to the junction at the end of Waihaha Road. This first part of the trail has great views of the Waihaha River canyon and waterfall. Be sure to stop and view the beautiful Tieke Waterfall from the trail above. The trail is surrounded by Tanekaha-dominated native bush and large outcrops of weathered volcanic rocks.
At the junction at the end of the Waihaha Road, you will see a directional sign (Waihaha Road is really a farm track that ends at the edge of the bush, so you won’t see a sealed road as such). The trail continues from here down to Kotukutuku Landing on what is known as the Waihora section of the trail.
If you want a shorter ride, you can pre-arrange for transport to pick you up from the end of Waihaha Road, which is 13km from the start of the trail. Alternatively, you can ride out Waihaha Road and turn left onto the main highway back to the trail starting at Waihaha River Bridge, a distance of approximately 9.5km.
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Shuttles, bike/ebike hire and glamping accommodation on the Timber Trail - one of New Zealand's Great Rides.
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.
Timber Trail 2-day all inclusive package. One night in Taupo, one night in the Timber Trail Lodge, meals and luggage transfers ex Taupo.
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Taxicat offers a unique water taxi transfer service for the Great Lake Trails.
Known as one of the best adventure mountain bike rides in New Zealand. A 46km Grade 3 guided mountain e-bike tour through the Tongariro Forest. The 42 Traverse takes you into sub-alpine New Zealand with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
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.
Enjoy a scenic e-bike tour and learn about our breathtaking Huka Falls, the mighty crystal clear Waikato River, Aratiatia Dam & Rapids. Finish with a ride past an incredible geothermal stream in Wairakei. (previous MTB experience is good).
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.