Rotary Ride

From Taupo town you can ride all the way to Huka Falls (and on to Aratiatia Dam), following the course of the Waikato River along the Huka Falls Rotary Ride.

From Taupo town you can ride all the way to Huka Falls (and on to Aratiatia Dam), following the course of the Waikato River along the Huka Falls Rotary Ride.

Trail Stats and Map

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

Elevation

The Tongariro River Trail features a mostly flat terrain with a gentle ascent leading to the Tongariro River Lookout, offering an easy and accessible ride with minimal climbs and scenic descents, perfect for riders of all skill levels seeking a tranquil outdoor experience.

Elevation

Elevation | 401m

Climb | 2.1km

Descent | 2.1km

Flat |619km


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Riding the Rotary River Trail

The Rotary Ride track begins at the Spa Thermal Park. You can leave your car here for your return, or book a shuttle. The track is a grade 3 trail, making it suitable for intermediate riders to enjoy.

Allow a leisurely 2-3 hours to complete the 4.8km trail from Spa Park to Huka Falls and back; or 5-6 hours if you choose to continue on to the Aratiatia Dam, which is another 7km along the river.

From Spa Thermal Park the trail follows the Waikato River north. A short climb up through native bush onto a ridge, leads to an area filled with tall pine trees and stunning views of the native bush and river below.

From there it’s a gradual downhill ride to Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most highly visited natural attraction. Here you can view the Falls from above, stop for a drink and a snack and of course take a few photos from one of several viewing points.

If you are carrying on to the Aratiatia Dam, 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 dam open every two hours between 10am and 4pm, showing you what the river looked like before the Aratiatia Dam was erected. It is a pretty impressive sight so time your ride appropriately. At the end, just head back the same way you came or return along the other side of the river

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Supervolcanic trail details

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Explore the Supervolcanic Trails

Whether you're exploring the Rotary River trail 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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  • 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.

    $295 - $325 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
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Chris Jolly Outdoors - Guided Biking

    Take a tour of the Biking Capital of New Zealand with Chris Jolly Outdoors. Lake Taupo offers some of the most stunning scenic bike trails, and a guided bike tour is the perfect way to enjoy the experience.

    $1 - $1,800 Book now
  • 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
  • Mountain biking

    Kaimanawa Descent (Heli Bike)

    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.

    $350 - $450 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
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Tree Trunk Gorge Guided Mountain Bike

    This is a short but beautiful track that weaves its way through native forest and includes a short steep climb, a picturesque river ford and some wooden bridges. This is an intermediate/advanced trail with lots of fun to be had.

    $225
  • Mountain biking

    FourB - Great Lake Trails 2-Day All Inclusive Package

    Part of the Super volcanic trail Network. Two nights B&B accommodation, meals and transport to mountain bike the Great Lake Trails over 2 days including the boat transfer from Waihaha on the first day and the K2K/W2K sections on the second day.

    $599 Book now

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