Craters Mountain Bike Park - Loop A

Supervolcanic trail details

• Plan your ride

  Access the park via the tunnel under Wairakei Drive via Inwards Goods.

  The old car park is still operational about 600m up Karapiti Road which is left off Wairakei Drive. There is a third access beside SHW5 about 500m back towards Taupo on the western side of the road which enters the forest near the start of Bumble Bee/BBC and SH Fun.

  All users of Craters MTB Park must be Bike Taupō members. Annual and visitor membership options are available. You can join online at biketaupo.org.nz.

  ---

  Distance	2-50km of trails available
  Time required	Anywhere from 1 hour to a full day
  Phone coverage	Good
  Shuttle	Yes, available by arrangement. Book shuttle services prior to departure.
  Reminders	Purchase a Bike Taupō pass before riding the trails

  ---

  Getting here

  Taupō is the closest town to Craters MTB Park and has a regional airport. Rotorua is a 60-minute drive away, while Auckland International Airport is less than a four-hour drive away. Nationwide Intercity buses service Taupō, while smaller shuttle operators provide local services.
  The Hub is an excellent launching pad for riders visiting Craters MTB Park. From Taupō, head north on Wairakei Drive for five minutes before turning right onto Huka Falls Road and into The Hub car park.

  Visit the nearby team at FourB for locals’ tips, purchase a Bike Taupō visitor’s pass and hire any gear you might need; the team knows every nook and cranny of the park. Kefi At The Hub serves excellent coffee and tasty snacks for refuelling, while Heli Adventure Flights offers spectacular flights across the region’s volcanic landscape.

  The Hub has parking, toilets, a café, bike hire, bike tools and cleaning stations, a water fountain and park map information signage.

  Plenty of local operators provide tours, gear and advice to riders, but it pays to book in advance for both the busy summer period and the quiet winter months when some businesses run on limited hours.

  Taupō and Kinloch are the perfect base for exploring the Great Lake Trails, which traverse the northern shores of Lake Taupō.

  ---

  Bike hire, Transport & Tours

  Shuttle operators based in and around Taupō offer bike hire and can also provide transport to Craters MTB Park and guided tours.

  Find bike hire

  Find transport & tours

  ---

  Accommodation

  Taupō is a 10-minute drive from Craters MTB Park. It has a wide range of accommodation both in town and around, all close to cafes, supermarkets and other visitor services.

  Kinloch is a 20-minute drive from Taupō and offers predominantly homestay options, and limited capacity makes it essential to book space in advance—the earlier, the better if you plan to ride in peak season between December and March.

  Freedom camping is available beside the Waikato River at Hipapatua Recreational Reserve (Reid’s Farm), a five-minute drive from The Hub.

  Find accommodation

• Safety Guidelines

  Ride Within Your Abilities

  Mountain biking involves various challenges and risks, including but not limited to steep descents, uneven terrain, and natural obstacles. It is vital that you ride within the limits of your capabilities and the trail ratings appropriate to your level of experience and skill. Do not attempt trails or maneuvers that are beyond your current skill level.

  Below is a guide to trail grades, ability and the what the standard is:

  Grade Rating	Technical Ability	What to expect
  Grade 1	Easiest	Fairly flat, wide, smooth track or gravel road.
  Grade 2	Easy	Mostly flat with some gentle climbs on smooth track with easily avoidable obstacles such as rocks and potholes.
  Grade 3	Intermediate	Steep slopes and/or avoidable obstacles possibly on narrow track and/or with poor traction. There may be exposure at the track’s outside edge.
  Grade 4	Advanced	A mixture of long, steep climbs, narrow track, poor traction and obstacles that are difficult to avoid or jump over. Generally exposed at the track’s outside edge. Most riders will find some sections easier to walk.
  Grade 5	Expert	Technically challenging. Giant climbs, narrow track and numerous hazards including dangerous drop-offs, sharp corners and difficult obstacles. Expect walking and possibly bike carrying.
  Grade 6	Extreme	Downhill/free ride specific tracks. Extremely steep sections with large drop-offs and other unavoidable obstacles. May include man made structures and jumps.

  ---

  Preparation and Safety Gear

  Proper preparation and safety gear are crucial for a safe mountain biking experience. Always wear a helmet and other recommended protective gear such as gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads. Ensure your mountain bike is in good working condition and appropriate for the trail types. Bring adequate hydration and snacks, especially for longer rides.

  ---

  Trail Etiquette and Environmental Respect

  Respect trail signage and keep to marked paths. Be courteous to other trail users and yield the right of way where appropriate. Do not leave any litter behind and avoid actions that could damage the natural environment or disturb wildlife.

  ---

  Emergency Procedures

  Before hitting the trails, ensure you are prepared for unexpected situations. Carry a basic first aid kit, a multi-tool for bike repairs, and a means of communication, such as a fully charged mobile phone or a two-way radio where service is limited. Consider the weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing and protective gear. Always inform a guide or fellow rider of your intended route and expected return time. Knowing basic first aid and bike repair techniques can be invaluable in case of minor accidents or mechanical issues.

  ---

  Insurance

  We recommend that all participants have personal insurance that covers mountain biking activities.