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Ride the Supervolcanic Trail Network your way

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? We thought so. And the great news is you’ll find it right here in the Taupō region, where you can ride the incredible Supervolcanic Trail Network through native bush, along gently lapping waterways and over mountaintops.

What makes our trails extra special is how they were made, and that there’s nothing quite like them anywhere else in the world. And thanks to the free-draining soils of the volcanic plateau, these rides are epic all year round.

Built to suit all ages and abilities - and with over 30 different trails that cover more than 380 kilometres across the region - we’ve got the ride for you.


Full Strength

If you’re ready to let off some steam, then going full strength should definitely be on your itinerary.

Check out the rides through the geothermal fields near Wairakei Tourist Park and the Huka Trails. These wind along the Waikato River, connecting Taupō town with Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam - you could easily spend a morning or afternoon covering these off the ‘to do’ list.

There’s a number of places you can hop on and off the trails and most sections are grade 1-2 easy (with some parts grade 3 intermediate). Just a warning, be prepared to see some epic river vistas.

Craters MTB Park is a purpose-built mountain bike park that has more than 50 kilometres of rides ranging from kid-friendly to technical cross country and thrilling downhills. Pack a lunch, take your pick of trails and spend the day weaving in and out of pine forests and native bush.

The K2K and Waihaha section of the Great Lake Trails are a bit further out of town, but well worth looking into if you’re after longer day rides with grunty uphills and impressive downhills. You’ll also be rewarded with some spectacular viewing spots.

Got some bike experience under your saddle and keen to take a scenic flight? Then the new Kaimanawa Descent mountain bike track could be just the ticket. It’s heli-biking at its finest and at 22 kilometres long, you’re guaranteed one hell of a downhill.

The Te Iringa , Tree Trunk Gorge and Timber Trail are also ideal for experienced riders. You won’t regret tackling these when you’re in town.


Medium

For those looking for a more relaxing ride where you can just go with the flow, the Great Lake Pathway is ideal.

The 10km ride takes you all the way from the boat harbour in Taupō township, along the lakefront and out to 5 Mile Bay. You don’t have to do the whole distance of course, but it is a wonderful, and relatively easy way to see the beauty of the lake and the mountains, with lots of lovely little bays dotted along the shared path.

There’s also plenty of places to stop for refreshments, from the Steaming Bean coffee cart to the Espresso Cove cafe and the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club.

Tongariro River Trail in Tūrangi is 15km loop track that offers a rolling, yet comfortable trail that is suitable for children and beginner riders to enjoy, taking a family a couple of hours to finish. You’ll discover stunning native bush and lovely views of the Tongariro River. Keep an eye out for the Whio, a rare duck that is native to New Zealand - it even features on the $10 note!


Family Pack

If you’ve assembled a pack of riders to join you on the Supervolcanic Trails, we salute you. Because why ride alone when you can do it with someone you love?

There are a number of family-friendly trails around the region, and you don’t even need to bring all the gear with you. Taupō and Turangi are well-stocked with bike hire retailers who are more than happy to set you up with what you need - from ebikes to shotgun seats, tow-along bikes and helmets.

Whangamata Stream Trail in Kinloch is a lovely little ride alongside a stream where trout spawn during the cooler months and if you’re lucky, you might see some frys (baby trout) in the ‘nursery’. Start from Kinloch beach, ride up one side and down the other, with a stop at the fairy garden a must.

If anyone in your family pack is keen for some BMX action, check out the pump track at Crown Park, or the Taupō Bike Park at Spa Thermal Park. These tracks have been built with thrills in mind for the young (and young at heart) and you could easily spend a morning or afternoon here with your BMX enthusiasts.

Craters MTB Park makes for the perfect family pack ride. From the kid’s loop track to a bunch of easy trails everyone can enjoy, it’s such a fun way to share a couple of hours or a day together. Make sure you grab your visitor park before heading out and for a delicious refuel after your ride, grab a table at Kefi at The Hub.


Keen for more epic biking adventures? Sign up to stay in the know and learn more about the SuperVolcanic Trial Network.

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  1. Home
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  4. Ride the Supervolcanic Trail Network your way