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


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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.

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Highlights

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

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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

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Bike shuttles, guides & tours

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  • 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
  • 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.

    $399.99 - $480 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
  • Boutique & Lodge

    Lake Maraetai Lodge

    Newly renovated In the Tranquil village of Mangakino, Lake Maraetai Lodge is located moments from Lake Maraetai, and sits conveniently between the Waipapa and Maraetai sections of the Waikato River Cycle trail.

    $135 - $249 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
  • 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

    42 Traverse Guided E-Bike Ride

    Known as one of the best adventure mountain bike rides in New Zealand. A 46km Grade 3 guided mountain e-bike tour through the Tongariro Forest. The 42 Traverse takes you into sub-alpine New Zealand with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

    $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
  • Holiday homes

    The Lake House Mangakino

    Are you looking for a great Kiwi holiday - the Lake House is it. With amazing views from the back deck and plenty of space for your cars, boats and toys. Our bach can comfortably sleep 2 families or 8 people and is the best holiday house by the lake.

    $300 - $400 Book now
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