The Karapiro Trail

Start at Rhubarb Café, visit the historic suspension bridge, ride through native forests and farmland, explore boardwalks and sculptures, and pass through Huihuitaha Wetland to finish at Pokaiwhenua Bridge carpark. The trail offers a mix of gentle undulations and scenic views, making it perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable ride.

Start at Rhubarb Café, visit the historic suspension bridge, ride through native forests and farmland, explore boardwalks and sculptures, and pass through Huihuitaha Wetland to finish at Pokaiwhenua Bridge carpark. The trail offers a mix of gentle undulations and scenic views, making it perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable ride.

Trail Stats and Map

  • Distance
    11.5 Km
  • Time
    1 hr Cycling | 2 - 3 hrs Walking
  • Ability
    Grade 2 | Easy
  • Trail Type
    River | Gravel | Pathway

Click on the map to enlarge and magnify

Elevation

Enjoy a scenic ride from the Mighty River Domain to Pokaiwhenua Bridge. This trail features rolling terrain with gentle climbs, smooth descents, and a few tight turns. Cycle along picturesque lake views, native bush, and riverfront boardwalks, perfect for a relaxed adventure.

Elevation

Elevation | 127m

Climb | 4.7km

Descent | 3.9km

Flat | 3.1km


SV HR Line

Riding the Karapiro Trail

The Karapiro Trail is one of five individual trails making up the Waikato River Trails, starting at the Rhubarb Café in Arapuni village. This delightful café is a great place to fuel up before you embark on your journey. Begin by visiting the historic Arapuni Suspension Bridge, offering thrilling views of the river and dam. The suspension bridge, built in the 1920s, provides a stunning bird’s-eye view of the dam and river below, making it a must-see for all visitors.

The trail meanders through native forests and farmland, featuring charming boardwalks and unique sculptures. Riders will enjoy a serene ride through the Huihuitaha Wetland on a 500-meter boardwalk, encountering native plant species and birds. The trail continues through Little Waipa Reserve, popular for fishing and camping, and ends at the Pokaiwhenua Bridge carpark, marked by an impressive sculpture by Fred Graham. This sculpture encapsulates historical significance to Māori, adding a cultural layer to the ride.

Though not within the Taupō region, this section is part of the larger Waikato River Trails network and offers a memorable adventure for all trail enthusiasts.

crowdriff

Highlights

SV HR Line

The Great Lake Trails are proud to be part of Ngā Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trails network.

Complete the Great Lake Trails survey

Help us improve your trail experience. Complete our survey to be in the draw to win a $200nzd Torpedo7 voucher.

Complete survey

SV HR Line

Explore the Supervolcanic Trails Network

Whether you're tackling the Waikato River Trails or exploring more forest routes of the Great Lake Trails, the Taupō region offers unforgettable rides amidst supervolcanic landscapes and lush wilderness. With over 30 trails and more than 380 kilometers of riding paths, your adventure through this biking paradise is sure to be exhilarating and memorable.

Other Waikato River Trails Other Great Rides

SV HR Line

Bike shuttles, guides & tours

Filter by
Sort by
Map
Displaying 1 - 10 of 24
  • Biking trails

    Waikato River Trails

    The Waikato River Trails are divided into five sections, each offering a unique adventure. You'll find everything from gently rolling paths to steeper, more rugged trails. The trails are graded from 3 (Intermediate) to 4 (Advanced). While most are wide and smooth, some, particularly in the Waipapa section, feature trickier single-tracks. A mountain bike is recommended for the best experience, ensuring you can handle the varied terrain and enjoy the scenic beauty to the fullest.in bikers and walkers can explore a series of cycle trails along New Zealand's longest river - the mighty Waikato River.

  • 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
  • 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

    Adventure Shuttles

    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.

    $30 - $1,000
  • 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

    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

    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
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Overnight e-Bike Adventures

    Join us for the ultimate private mountain e-biking adventure in the Central North Island and stay in a luxurious remote lodge for the night. You will experience a truly private, wilderness adventure, with your very own on-site accommodation and host.

    $695
  • Golf

    Mangakino Golf Club

    Mangakino Golf Club is a flat undulating 9 hole easy walking course with picturesque views of Lake Maraetai and the surrounding forests.

    $15 - $25
of 3 Next

SV HR Line

SV HR Line

Share your #LoveTaupo stories with us

Supercolcanic logo