Waihaha Hut Track

The Waihaha Hut Track is set in native forest within the Pureora Forest Park on the western side of Lake Taupo.

The Waihaha Hut Track follows the Waihaha River and offers an adventurous ride with moderate climbs, some challenging sections, and lush forest. You'll journey through shrubland and dense podocarp forest, ending at a scenic clearing with a cozy 10-bunk hut. Enjoy the beauty of the Pureora ranges!

Trail Stats and Map

  • Distance
    18 Km
  • Time
    3 Hours
  • Ability
    Grade 4 | Advanced
  • Trail Type
    Forest | River | Pumice

Elevation

The Waihaha Hut Track offers mountain bikers a fun mix of moderate climbs, gentle descents, and flat sections. Navigate technical turns as you wind through beautiful forest landscapes, making it an adventurous ride with just the right amount of elevation changes.

Elevation

Elevation | 613m

Climb | 4.5km

Descent | 4.1km

Flat | 1.4km


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Riding the Waihaha Hut Track

The track follows the beautiful Waihaha River up to the Waihaha Hut which is set in a clearing overlooking the river. It can be biked or walked to the hut. 

This trail is grade 4 and is 9km one way into the hut. Riders return the same way, making it an 18km return journey. The trail has been upgraded to make it more rideable but there are still some difficult sections where bikes will need to be carried. The trail is suitable for riders of moderate skill levels and fitness and you can expect to complete the return journey in approximately 3 hours.

The first part of the trail meanders along the Waihaha River bank and follows upstream through shrubland before entering dense podocarp forest. After 9km of riding you will reach a picturesque clearing where you’ll find the 10 bunk Waihaha Hut, a popular overnight location for hunters and trampers. The hut overlooks the Waihaha River where there is a good spot for a quick swim in summer. Have lunch at the hut (pack your own) or a drink stop before heading back out of the forest the way you came in.

This ride is considered one of the most accessible and achievable adventure rides in the Taupō region. The shorter distance makes it achievable for those with moderate fitness while still experiencing the remoteness of the forest in the Pureora ranges.

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Supervolcanic trail details

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Explore the Supervolcanic Trails

Whether you're tackling the Waihaha Hut 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 30 trails and more than 380 kilometers of riding paths, your adventure through this biking paradise is sure to be exhilarating and memorable.

Other Pueora Forest Park Trails Other Forest Trails

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Bike shuttles, guides & tours

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  • Custom transfers

    Mangakino Shuttle Service

    Enjoy the Beautiful Scenery of the famous Waikato River Trail as you Bike or walk in an ever-changing, Breathtaking landscape, for just a few hours, or travel more of the trail over 2 to 5 days. Shuttle, Bike Hire and accommodation available.

    $20 - $60
  • 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.

    $149 - $159 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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