There are three Great Lake Trails, all on the northern side of Lake Taupo. From east to west they are:
1. Great Lakes Trail - W2K, from Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay. Best to start at Kinloch and get a shuttle back, 24km, 3 hours, including a detour called the Headland Trail. Alternatively ride back taking the 14km shortcut for a total of 38km, 4 hours...
2. Great Lakes Trail - K2K. From Whangamata Road to Kinloch. Best to start with a road shuttle from Kinloch, 20km, 3hours. Alternatively ride out and back from Kinloch, 40km, 5 hours. A third alternative is to make a loop of it by riding out on the roads, 42km, 5 hours...
3. Great Lakes Trail - Waihaha. Best to start at Kinloch with a road shuttle to the Waihaha River bridge on Western Bays Road and end with a boat shuttle back to Kinloch, 30km, 4 hours...
The trails are absolutely brilliant - bendy, humpy, and flowing - a symphony of gentle singletrack artistry. The scenery is stunning and the bush a dream coat. All in all, they are rare gems - scenic, mellow , semi-wilderness rides on fun trails.
There are a number of shuttles and bike hire places in the city of Taupo. Drop into the i-site (information centre), on the main street for the really nice trail maps and any other information you need. Taupo is a big tourist centre with lots of other attractions that they can help you with as well.
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