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Level: Beginner
Length: 28 mi (45.1 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: One-way
Elevation: +1,763/ -1,936 ft
Total: 25 riders
 

Mountain Biking Great Lake Trails

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#1 of 171 mountain bike trails in North Island
#388 in the world

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.

First added by Ginny_Tory on Jun 22, 2013. Last updated Sep 18, 2024. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: yes
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: yes
  • Fat bike grooming: yes
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
All three Great Lake Trails are usually ridden with shuttles, and Kinloch is the popular start and end for all of them. Kinloch is a charming village by the beach about 21km from Taupo. To get there leave Taupo heading north on State Highway 1, After 1.3km, at the top of the hill, turn left onto Poihipi Road. After 9.7km turn left onto Whangamata Road, in another 7.5km turn left into Kinloch Road. You'll arrive at Kinloch in 2km where you'll spot the parking area beside the fire station. There are lots of signs to guide you there.
System trails (3)
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Good (Oct 27, 2018)
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