BIKE: W2K trail (Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay) – 13 km, 2 to 2.5 hours. Grade 3
KAYAK: Whakaipo Bay to Acacia Bay – 3 to 4 hours
Our Maori Carvings Explorer package is without a doubt the best way to experience the spectacular scenery from the Great Lake Trail, and see the amazing Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay by water.
In one day, you will enjoy a leisurely 2-2.5 hour mountain-bike ride, and 4 hours kayaking on the crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo.
You will meet us at our base in Acacia Bay, where we will load your bike then set off by road to Kinloch, to ride W2K (Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay) section of the Great Lake Trail.
Trail
Starting at the Kinloch Domain, follow the markers around the marina and along the waterfront and then up a gully to Boojum Dell. The trail climbs steadily up through native bush and 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 a map.
From here you continue to ride down the undulating pumice trail through native bush towards Whakaipo Bay. There was no major importing of gravel into this track, the surface it just the way a real mountain bike track should be. Looping around some contours on the hillsides there are excellent views of the Lake and the Tongariro National Park to the south. Along the Great Lake Trail listen for native birds and wind in the bushes at one of the nice viewpoints. There are some great fast flowing sections on this part of the trail.
At the end of the track you will ride through the farmland, past paddocks of sheep and down towards Whakaipo Bay which is one of the last untouched public and farmed reserves left on the shores of Lake Taupo. This place is so rustic and raw, you will be speechless.
It here at Whakaipo Bay where you gourmet lunch will await you, either on the shores of the lake or amongst the rustic land. After lunch