Great Lake Trail
The Great Lake Trail offers many mountain biking and hiking options from one to three days long.
The Great Lake Trail - Lake Taupō
Great Lake Trail
The Great Lake Trail is one of New Zealand’s standout mountain biking adventures — a spectacular journey around the northern shores of Lake Taupō through ancient native bush, volcanic landscapes, hidden bays and flowing singletrack. As part of the Super Volcanic Network, the trail combines incredible scenery with some of the best purpose-built riding in the region.
With three distinct sections — Waihaha, Kawakawa and Whakaipo — you can tackle the trail as a one-day adventure or spread it over two to three days. Whether you're chasing flowing singletrack, spectacular lake views, waterfalls and native bush, or simply want to experience one of Taupō's iconic Great Rides, we can put together the itinerary that suits you.
Your Adventure, Your Way
We make exploring the Great Lake Trail simple. Whether you’re a solo rider, travelling as a couple, or organising a larger group, our carefully curated packages take the hassle out of planning and logistics.
Looking for something a little different? We can create a bespoke or guided mountain biking or hiking adventure tailored to your group, fitness, experience and timeframe. As Great Lake Trail specialists, we know the tracks, transfers and best ways to experience the region — so we take care of the details while you focus on the adventure.
Multi-Day Great Ride Adventures
Why stop at the Great Lake Trail? Extend your adventure and experience some of the Central North Island’s iconic Great Rides in one unforgettable multi-day journey.
We can build a personalised itinerary combining the Great Lake Trail, Timber Trail, Waikato River Trail and Tongariro Alpine Crossing, creating the perfect mix of mountain biking, hiking, spectacular scenery and adventure.
From a weekend escape to a multi-day adventure, we’ll take care of the planning, accommodation, transfers and logistics to create an experience that’s seamless from start to finish.
Explore the three options below
Waihaha & Waihora – Ride, Explore, Escape
Start your adventure with a FourB shuttle from Kinloch to Waihaha Bridge, then ride 31km through spectacular native bush, past waterfalls and along the western shores of Lake Taupō to Waihora Bay. Finish the day with a scenic boat transfer back across the lake to Kinloch.
31km of incredible riding. One unforgettable Great Lake Trail adventure.
One Day Options
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Waihaha Section
The Waihaha/Waihora section of the Great Lake trail. Catch the FourB Great Lake trail shuttle from Kinloch to the Waihaha Bridge, which is the start of the Waihaha/Waihora section. Ride 31 kilometres down too Waihora Bay and catch the boat shuttle back to your vehicle In Kinloch.
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Note: Make sure to book your return shuttle from Kinloch to Taupō, if pick-up is at the Taupō I-Site.
Pick-up location:
I-Site Taupō, KinlochDrop-off location:
Waihaha entranceAverage total ride time:
4 hoursAverage distance:
31 kilometersAverage grade:
3 - Intermediate -
W2K Section
Park your vehicle in Whakaipo Bay at the shelter with the maps and ride out to the road and catch the FourB Great Lake trail shuttle from the entrance to Whakaipo Bay. From here you will be transferred to Kinloch, you then ride over the marina bridge turning left onto the W2K trail and begin the W2K section with the head land loop back to your vehicle expect to ride 24 kilometers with the Headland loop.
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Note: Make sure to book your return shuttle from Kinloch to Taupō, if pick-up is at the Taupō I-Site.
Pick-up location:
I-Site Taupō, Whakaipo bay entranceDrop-off location:
Kinloch Marina ShelterAverage total ride time:
3 hoursAverage distance:
24 kilometersAverage grade:
3 - Intermediate -
Orakau to Whakaipo Bay
You will be transferred to Orakau, you then ride to Kinloch and from there over the marina bridge turning left onto the W2K trail and begin the W2K section with the head land loop back to your vehicle expect to ride 44 kilometers with the Headland loop.
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Note: Make sure to book your return shuttle from Whakaipo Bay to Taupō, if pick-up is at the Taupō I-Site.
Pick-up location:
I-Site Taupō, Whakaipo Bay entranceDrop-off location:
Orakau entranceAverage total ride time:
6 hoursAverage distance:
33 or 44 kilometers (44km incl. headland loop)Average grade:
3 - Intermediate
Multi-Day Options
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Two Day Option
Day One:
Waihaha to Waihora Section including return boat transfer to Kinloch and shuttles. (31km)Day Two:
K2K Section and W2K Section from Orakau to Whakaipo Bay including shuttles. (44km)#fhtogglels/Find out more/Close/ib
Average total ride time:
10.5 hours
Average distance:
75 kilometers
Average grade:
3 - Intermediate -
All Inclusive Packages
Let us take care of all the accomodation, food and bike hire and you just enjoy the ride.
FourB knows the Great Lake trail, like no other. We can provide you with accomodation along the way, great meals and mountain bike hire whether it is a hard tail mountain bike, full suspension or e bike FourB has got you covered.
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Book below or Get in touch
“We were part of a locals day mountain bike experience on the Great Lake Trail, Waihaha to Waihora arranged by Jonny at FourB Cycle Tours. We were in one of four groups who were shuttled from Kinloch to Waihaha to do the 3-4 hour ride to meet the pickup boat at the end of the trail at Waihora which is a remote area and trail in the Western Bays of Taupō. The whole experience arranged for us was trouble-free, professional and enjoyable. Having used FourB Cycle Tours before we can highly recommend their services from their base adjacent to Craters of the Moon Mountain Bike Park. They will supply most services to do with biking in the Central North Island including shuttles and bike hire.”