Home Grown

Maramataha Suspension Bridge on the Timber Trail - Image compliments of Visit Ruapehu
Riders on the 42nd Traverse - Image compliments of Visit Ruapehu
From Taupo:
From Turangi:
From National Park:
1. Craters of the Moon (50km worth of
trails)
Grade 1-5
This mountain bike park, situated just
north of Lake Taupo, offers tracks for
every level of rider, from family friendly
trails to those for the more experienced
riders. Some offer excellent views of the
lake and river. Spend an hour or a full
day exploring the trails.
2. The Timber Trail (87km)
Grade 2-3 (easy to intermediate)
2 days
This backcountry adventure starts in the
Pureora Forest Village, between Te Kuiti
and Mangakino. The first day is graded
intermediate due to the initial climb. There
is accommodation at the end of the day
that needs to be booked in advance
or you can chose to camp. Day two is
considered easy to intermediate. Over
the two days you’ll experience incredible
scenery, suspension bridges and ancient
native forests.
3. Great Lake Trail 71km)
Grade 3
6 hours
Considered by some, one of the best Grade
3 cycle trails in the country. This trail follows
the northeastern shoreline of Lake Taupo.
This is an all-weather, all-seasons travese
through native forest with incredible views
across the lake towards the volcanoes of
the Tongariro National Park.
The trail has three distinct sections and can
be ridden in one day if your fitness allows.
Waihaha to Kotukutuku Stream (31km)
Begins 54km from Taupo, highlights include
a fun and flowing trail and biking over the
Kotukutuku Waterfall. From here a water
taxi will take you to the start of the next
section.
Whangamata Road to Kawakawa Bay and
Kinloch (18km)
This section begins with a graded climb to
Rocky lookout, but it's worth the effort for
the fantastic views.
Kinlock to Whakaipo Bay (14km)
The final section climbs gently over the
Headland to Whakaipo Bay. You can do an
additional 10km loop of the headland if you
wish or continue to the finish at Whakaipo
Bay. If you still have energy to burn then
continue to ride another 13km to Taupo via
Acacia Bay.
4. Tongariro River Trail (15km loop)
Grade 2
1-2 hours
Starting in Turangi, follow the
Tongariro River, through farmland,
native bush and across swing
bridges. Multiple entry points and an
easy ride with family. The Tongariro
National Trout Hatchery makes for a
great stop on the way.
5. Tree Trunk Gorge (12km one way)
Grade 3-4
2-4 hours
Situated on the eastern side of the
mountain ranges this track takes you
through river crossings and magnificent
beech forest in the Kaimanawa Forest
Park.
6.Te Iringa (38km)
Grade 5
4-6 hours
A track for expert riders only set in
the backcountry of the Kaimanawa
Forest Park. Navigating steep hills,
fallen trees, and wetlands this track will
challenge the most avid rider.
7. Fishers Track (17km)
Grade 2
2-3 hours one way
From the National Park Railway
Station, Fishers Track is a mostly
downhill trail with great views of the
National Park mountains as well as
Mt Taranaki (on a clear day).
8. Marton Sash and Door
Tramway (13.8km)
Grade 2
2 hour loop
Leaving from National Park Village,
the trail follows a recovered
bush tramway route and some
backcountry dirt roads past a mix of
native forest and pine plantations.
9.The Pines Tracks (10km worth of
trails)
Grade 3-4
This mountain bike park, not far from
National Park Village, offers trails for
the intermediate to advanced riders.
10. 42nd Traverse (46km)
Grade 3-4
4-7 hours
Bike along the 42nd Traverse
following an old logging road through
the remote and rugged landscape
of the Tongariro National Park.
Start point 19km from National Park
Village.
There are a number of challegning
sections on one of NZ most iconic
mountain bike rides known for its long
and rutted downhills.
The track surfaces are often rutted
with gravel and mud, and there are
plenty of stream crossings and uphill
sections to challenge you.
Although the trail can be ridden either
direction it is recommended that you
start at Kapoors road end and finish
in Owhanga. If you look at the crosssection
map you can see why.
Cross section of the 42nd Traverse
Image compliments of DOC
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