Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam Trail

This grade 2-3 loop trail is perfect for the whole family. Highlights include river views, the impressive Aratiatia Dam release, stunning native bush and a hidden geothermal stream.

Perfect for the whole family, this trail offers beautiful river views, the spectacular Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam release, stunning native bush, and a hidden geothermal stream. Enjoy a mix of scenic beauty and gentle adventure as you explore this delightful and accessible trail. A fun experience for all ages.

Trail Stats and Map

  • Distance
    6.7 Km
  • Time
    2 hrs Cycling | 3 hrs Walking
  • Ability
    Grade 3 | Intermediate
  • Trail Type
    River | Dirst | Shared use

Elevation

The Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam trail features a mix of gentle climbs and descents along a mostly flat trail. Soak in the stunning views of the river and native bush, with highlights including the Huka Falls, Aratiatia Dam release, and a hidden geothermal stream.

Elevation

Elevation | 385m

Climb | 2.6km

Descent | 3.5km

Flat |600m


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Riding the Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam Trail

From Huka Falls you can ride to the Aratiatia Dam and return via the same track, or loop back on the other side of the river via Aratiatia Loop track, Wairakei Resort Track, Wairakei Tourist Track and Café Track. The ride is around 14km return or 7km one-way.

There’s a short climb at first, but eases and is suitable for most beginners.

In the summer months (October to March) the flood gates on the Aratiatia Dam open every two hours between 10am and 4pm for around 15 minutes creating a spectacular flow of water through a narrow gorge. It is an impressive sight so time your ride appropriately.

If returning via the Aratiatia Loop track there are a number of points along the way to access Craters Mountain Bike Park if you are feeling like a longer ride. You can also return all the way back to Taupō town from Huka Falls via the Redwoods Trail.

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Supervolcanic trail details

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Explore the Supervolcanic Trails

Whether you're taking in the wonders of the Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam or exploring more forest routes of the Great Lake Trails, the Taupō region offers unforgettable rides amidst supervolcanic landscapes and lush wilderness. With over 65 individual trails and more than 330 kilometers of riding paths, your adventure through this biking paradise is sure to be exhilarating and memorable.

Other Huka Trails Other River Rides

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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.

  • 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.

    $69 - $150 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    FourB - Waihaha -Shuttle, Boat & Bike hire 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.

    $310 - $349 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Supervolcanic - Waihaha - Road and Boat Transfer Package

    Got your own bike? Supervolcanic. Ride the Epic Waihaha section of the Great lake Trail with this transfer package from Kinloch.

    $179 - $199 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    FourB - Timber Trail All Inclusive Package

    Timber Trail 2-day all inclusive package. One night in Taupo, one night in the Timber Trail Lodge, meals and luggage transfers ex Taupo.

    $649 - $799 Book now
  • Kayaking

    Taupo Kayaking Adventures Bike & Kayak Combo Tours

    Why not combine your mountain biking and kayaking trip into one fun adventure packed day? Enjoy the stunning scenery Great Lake Taupo and its surrounding area has on offer on both land and water.

    $120 - $510 Book now
  • Mountain biking

    Kaimanawa Descent Heli Bike (Ruapehu)

    The Kaimanawa Descent is Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures epic 23km Grade 3, purpose built heli biking trail. With the trail head over looking the volcanic plateau, descend through the Kaimanawa's with breathtaking views. It's a ride you wont forget.

  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Huka River Trail Guided Geothermal E-bike Tour

    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).

    $299 - $399 Book now
  • 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.

    $85 - $395
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