The Great Lake Trail follows the stunning scenic shores of beautiful Lake Taupo, boasting the best of the Western Bays without the crowds. This truly is the perfect adventure playground. The Great Lake Trail is a track that you don’t feel like you should be allowed on – it’s so well built that it’s unbelievable!
The trail provides 71 km of all-weather pumice trail riding through native scenic terrain, with breathtaking views across Great Lake Taupo to the majestic Tongariro National Park.
Riders have the option of riding the full trail over two or three days or choosing shorter riding options to suit fitness, experience and the time available. Water taxis can ferry riders and bikes to four access points along the trail, making a variety of trips possible.
Great Lake Trail maps are available through us (Taupo Kayaking Adventures), online from the Bike Taupo website or from local bike shops.
Note that we have described the Great Lake Trail here as if it is being ridden in a west – east direction. It can, however, be ridden in the opposite direction.
The sections are:
- Waihaha and Waihora (from Western Bays Road) to Kotukutuku Stream (30km)
- Orakau (from Whangamata Road to Kawakawa Bay (9.8km)
- K2K (Kawakawa Bay to Kinloch (9.2km)
- W2K (Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay) and Headland Loop (13 to 22.5 km)
Note: You can ride Orakau and K2K sections together to avoid boat transfer (19km).
Guides & Shuttles
We also provide guiding & shuttles services. Find out more.
