The Waikato River Trails are actually one continuous trail that happens to be promoted as five linked trails!! Total length is 103km, 64 miles, including some parts that are on roads. ----
The Waikato River is the largest in the North Island and there are several hydro-electric dams along its length with long lakes behind them. The trails (sections of the trail!) go alongside five of the lakes and the sections are named after the lake they go beside. You can ride the trail(s) either way but they are generally listed from north to south (going upstream!) as follows:
1. Karapiro, 11.5km, 7 miles, intermediate...
2. Arapuni, 36km, 22 miles, advanced...
3. Waipapa, 19km, 12 miles, advanced...
4. Maraetai, 12km, 7.5 miles, intermediate...
5. Whakamaru, 23.5km, 15 miles, intermediate... ----
While it is possible to ride the entire 103km in a day, these are scenic trails with many points of interest, and places to picnic or swim. The trail(s) are well made with an all weather gravel surface, but it's best to ride them in summer so you can enjoy the lakes which are all swimmable. ----
Many people do the entire length in parts, parking their car at various access points and doing out-and-back rides. People riding from one end to the other generally take three or four days and may need shuttles and accommodation. That's easy to organise. Just call the friendly folk at "Waikato River Trails", 0800 874 978, or look them up on www.waikatorivertrails.com. They'll give you all the advice you need, arrange bike hire if necessary, and book accommodation and shuttles. Be warned though, they'll take away your rights as quick as a flash. You'll even have to sign a waiver for a bus ride! And you won't see it till after they take your money!! They are based in the i-site at Putaruru. ----
Each of the five trail sections has its own description and photos on Singletracks as you may have noticed. Enjoy the ride(s)! ----
Text by jimcummings
 | Waikato River Trails: 1 Karapiro |   | 7 mi |
 | Waikato River Trails: 2 Arapuni | | 14 mi |
| Waikato River Trails: 3 Waipapa | | 12 mi |
| Waikato River Trails: 4 Maraetai | | 8 mi |
| Waikato River Trails: 5 Whakamaru | | 13 mi |
Stunning views beside the lakes and river on well formed trails at times remote, at times civilised - there's great variety.
| ThankIt's a really nice part of the Waikato River. The Waipapa dam is very impressive. Beautiful ride. Nice swim too.
| ThankIt's a beautiful ride, just 23.5km long on a good trail with views to die for.
| ThankAnother great ride along the lakes of the Waikato River. Mangakino is the biggest village along the Waikato River Trails and the lake there is really stunning.
| ThankThis section of the Waikato River Trails is as picturesque as the other sections and it's the most like a "family fun" style of ride because it's short and not too challenging.
| ThankI rode it from south to north - from the Waipapa Dam to Arapuni.
The southern section from Waipapa dam is fantastic - beautiful trail through native forest and it's real close to the lake in places. You have to walk up the steps to the top of a cliff. After some more native bush you go through lots of pine forest then after the swing bridge it's a 200m climb to Waotu Road. It's mainly down hill to Jones Landing and then there is some quite nice single track to Arapuni village and a coffee.
Great ride!!
| Thank