Rotary Ride, Huka Falls & Aratiatia Dam
Rotary Ride (Spa Park to Huka Falls & Return)
Grade: 2 – 3 Easy to Intermediate
Distance: 11 kms
TIME: 2 – 2.5 hours riding | plus 20 minutes at Huka Falls | 3.5 – 4 hours total tour time
Rotary Ride & Aratiatia Dam
Grade: 2 – 3 Easy to Intermediate
Distance: 24kms
TIME: 4 – 4.5 hours riding | plus 30 minutes at Huka Falls & Aratiatia Dam | 5.5 – 6 hours total tour time
This is one of our more popular mountain biking packages which is great for beginners and also advanced riders alike due to the various riding options available.
Everyone will start at Spa Thermal Park and bike through to Huka Falls. The biking trail follows the Waikato River through native bush and passes Huka Lodge before emerging at Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most highly visited natural attraction. There are plenty of viewing platforms at Huka Falls so make sure you get a photo of the most photographed scenic attraction in New Zealand!
Great Lake Trail Bike Packages
Orakau and K2K (Kawakawa Bay to Kinloch) – 1 Day Package
Grade: 3 intermediate
Distance: Orakau to Kawakawa Bay – 10.25km | Kawakawa Bay to Kinloch – 9.25km | Total 19.5km
TIME: 3 – 3.5 hours riding | 4.5 – 5 hours total tour time
Mountain biking is a great way to explore the region on 2 wheels. The Orakau and K2K section of the Great Lake Trail is a great ride through various landscapes from wetlands to native bush.
You’ll meet us at our base in Acacia Bay or in Kinloch where we will set off by vehicle to the start of the Orakau Section of the Great Lake Trail to begin your riding leg. Our ride will finish at Kinloch.
On this ride you will follow the trail down Orakau stream and through flax wetlands, native bush to Kawakawa Bay (beautiful bay on lake edge) – along the way you will see Tongariro National Park. From Kawakawa bay you will start steadily climbing rough native bush to headland which provides great views over Lake Taupo, at headland you will start descending back down into Kinloch.
W2K and Headland loop (Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay) – 1 Day Package
Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay (W2K)
Grade: 3 Intermediate
Distance: 13 kms
TIME: 2 – 2.5 hours riding | 3.5 – 4 hours total tour time
Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay (W2K) & Headland Loop
Grade: 3 Intermediate
Distance: 22.5kms
TIME: 3.5 – 4.5 hours riding | 5 – 6 hours total tour time
Our W2K and Headland Loop package is without a doubt the best way to experience the spectacular scenery from the Great Lake Trail by 2 wheels.
Starting from Boojum Dell. The trail climbs steadily up through native bush and up onto the headland providing great views across the lake and back down into Kinloch. At the junction of the Headland Loop there is a Toilet and map.
From here you have the option to ride the Headland Loop trail that follows the top of the Whangamata Bluffs out to the end of the headland. More great native bush and awesome views across the lake to the Kaimanawas, Karangahape Cliffs and Tongariro National Park (the best view anywhere of Great Lake Taupo). There is also a short lookout trail that offers views of Kinloch and Whangamata Bay. Listen out for the birds!!
Waihaha and Waihora – 1 Day Package
GRADE: 3 Intermediate
DISTANCE: Waihaha 13km | Waihora 17km | Total 30km
TIME: 4.5 – 5 hours | 30 minute boat transfer | 6.5 – 7 hours total tour time
Mountain biking is a great way to experience the particular scenery from the Great Lake Trail. Where else in the world do you ride all year round (pumice) tracks with extensive views of the lake & mountains, and ride next to a waterfall.
You’ll meet us at our base in Acacia Bay or in Kinloch where we will set off by vehicle to the start of the Waihaha section of the Great Lake Trail to begin your riding leg.
This trail has breathtaking views of the Waihaha River canyon and waterfall (a must-see hidden gem). It is surrounded by lush native bush including Tanekaha (celery pine) which is endemic to this region of the North Island. You will also see large outcrops of ancient volcanic rocks along the trail. The trail is on a mixture of pumice and natural dirt trails that descend into Kotukutuku Stream – via bridges and boardwalks to waterfall, then to the lake edge.
Western Bay Scenic – 2 Day Package
GRADE: 3 Intermediate
DISTANCE: Day 1: 19km, Day 2: 22.2km
TIME: Day 1: Approx 2.5 – 3 hours, Day 2: Approx 3.5 – 4 hours
On this Ride you will follow the trail down Orakau stream and through flax wetlands, native bush to Kawakawa Bay (beautiful bay on lake edge) – along the way see Tongariro national park. From Kawakawa bay start steadily climbing rough native bush to headland which provides great views over Lake Taupo, at headland you will start descending back down into Kinloch.
Some good climbs but short, less challenging for less experienced and less fit riders.
Western Bay Fun – 2 Day Package
GRADE: 3 Intermediate
DISTANCE: Day 1: 17km, Day 2: 19km
TIME: Day 1: Approx 2 – 3 hours, 30-minute boat transfer. Day 2: Approx 2.5 – 3 hours
You’ll meet us at our base in Acacia Bay or in Kinloch where we will set off by vehicle to the start of the Waihora section of the Great Lake trail to begin your riding leg.
This track has extraordinary and scenic beautiful link and offers expansive views over the Lake Taupo, view of Tongariro Crossing. You are riding through volcanic rock formations, on a mixture of pumice and natural dirt trails that descend into Kotukutuku Stream – via bridges and board walks to waterfall, then to lake edge.
At the Kotukutuku landing (a tranquil bay) you will be met by the boat transporter, where we will load bikes and head back to Kinloch while eating a packed lunch.
Western Bay Epic – 2 Day Package
GRADE: 3 Intermediate
DISTANCE: Day 1: 30km, Day 2: 19km
TIME: Day 1: Approx 4 – 6 hours, 30-minute boat transfer. Day 2: Approx 2.5 – 3 hours
You’ll meet us at our base in Acacia Bay or in Kinloch where we will set off by vehicle to the start of the Waihaha section of the Great Lake Trail to begin your riding leg.
This trail has breathtaking views of the Waihaha River canyon and waterfall (a must-see hidden gem). It is surrounded by lush native bush including Tanekaha (celery pine) which is endemic to this region of the North Island. You will also see large outcrops of ancient volcanic rocks along the trail. The trail is on a mixture of pumice and natural dirt trails that descend into Kotukutuku Stream – via bridges and boardwalks to waterfall, then to the lake edge.
At the Kotukutuku landing (a tranquil bay) you will be met by the boat transporter, where we will load bikes and head back to Kinloch. Acacia Bay (if a big group) whilst eating a packed lunch.
