2 DAYS 71km Cycling Great Lake Trail Bike Taupo BELOW LEFT: Taking a leap, Taupo BELOW RIGHT: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing; BOTH Destination Great Lake Taupō GREAT LAKE Trail The stunning Great Lake Trail follows the shores of beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand s largest lake, from Waihaha to Whakaipo Bay. This trail was officially opened in April 2014 and provides 71km of all-weather riding through native forest with views across Lake Taupo to the majestic Tongariro National Park. Riders have the option of riding the full trail over two days or choosing shorter riding options to suit fitness, experience and the time available. There are three sections of trail that can be ridden as standalone rides. A water taxi can ferry riders and bikes to four access points along the trail. The Great Lake Trail is a Grade 3 (Intermediate) cycle trail, so a reasonable level of fitness is required to ride the entire trail. Mountain bikes with front suspension are recommended. The Great Lake Trail can be ridden in all seasons due to its volcanic pumice surface, however the track can be slippery in places when wet. Knobbly mountain bike tyres are advisable at all times of the year. There can be a cold wind blowing off the mountains, even in summer, and parts of the Great Lake Trail are exposed and remote, so be prepared. Taupo is an International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Silver Level Ride Centre and the Great Lake Trail forms part of the Taupo trail network that has been awarded this recognition. Trail Info 2 Days 71km TRAIL GRADES: WAIHAHA TO KOTUKUTUKU STREAM - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) LOOK OUT FOR... Lake Taupo the Great Lake Lake Taupo s reputation as a trout fishing haven stretches across the globe, and this is in no small part due to its massive size. This is the biggest lake in Australasia and is roughly the size of Singapore. An abundance of brown and rainbow trout can be fished all year round here (with a licence). But this is just one activity of the many on offer; get a feel for the immensity of Lake Taupo by kayaking, canoeing, wind surfing or sailing. Walking and mountain biking tracks along the shore are also popular. Tongariro National Park Views of this magnificent national park are visible along the trail. The park s landscape and scenery ranges from desert to vast tussock land, mountain beech forest and wetlands. WHANGAMATA RD TO KAWAKAWA BAY & KINLOCH - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) W2K (KINLOCH TO WHAKAIPO BAY) - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Cell phone coverage is limited outside of Taupo. DRINKING WATER: Carry enough drinking water for the entire trip. 56
32 Waihaha Bridge WAIHAHA BRIDGE MAP LEGEND open section boat / water taxi route start / finish point bridge hill / mountain café/restaurant Western Bay Road Waihaha Track 30km 1 toilets car park camping accommodation state highway Kotukutuku Stream Puketapu Road Kotukutuku Stream WAIHORA BAY Te Poroporo Point Whangamata Road car park 9.8km Whangamata Road Boat Harbour Orakau (Chinamans) Track KAWAKAWA BAY Te Tuhi Point Kawakawa Bay WHANGAMATA ROAD CAR PARK K2K Track 9.2km Whangamata Bay Whangamata Road Whangamata Bluffs Kinloch KINLOCH W2K Track 13-22.5km Whakaipo Bay to Taupo 11km Ngangautu 794m WHAKAIPO BAY GREAT LAKE TRAIL Headland Loop Waihaha River Lake Taupo (Taupo-nui-a-Tia) AA Traveller 2015 RIDING THE TRAIL This is a two-day trail, but if you re very fit and make an early start, you can ride from Waihaha Bridge to Whakaipo Bay in one day. You will be riding for a minimum of eight hours, plus half an hour for a boat trip to connect the two halves. You can get a shuttle from Taupo or Kinloch and arrange for the water taxi to pick you up at 1pm. Transport can be arranged by Tread Routes (www.treadroutes.co.nz), Great Lake Shuttles (www.greatlakeshuttles.co.nz), or Chris Jolly Outdoors (www.chrisjolly.co.nz). Waihaha to Kotukutuku Stream, 30km The start of the trail is 54km from Taupo, on the south side of the Waihaha River Bridge on Western Bays Rd (SH 32). From the car park, weave through forest on a flowing Cycling Great Lake Trail Bike Taupo track towards the lake. There are a few fantastic lookouts on the way. After 14km you will pass a toilet and some signs. There are no large hills in this section of the trail, but quite a few small ones. When you are 30km from the car park, the trail descends steeply via a series of bridges and boardwalks, past Kotukutuku Waterfall, to a beautiful beach on Lake Taupo s shores. This is the end of this section of the trail; there is a shelter and toilets here. From Kotukutuku, it is either a long ride back to the road, or book the boat to take you to Kawakawa Bay where the trail resumes. Whangamata Rd car park to Kawakawa Bay & Kinloch, 19km From the Whangamata Rd car park, the trail follows the Orakau Stream and harakeke (flax) wetland through regenerating native bush down to Kawakawa Bay. The trail is mostly downhill and offers views across the lake to the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. From Kawakawa Bay, where there is shelter and toilets, a well graded climb leads to a rocky lookout. Take in the views and catch your breath before enjoying...the trail complements the region s reputation as a year-round cycling destination and adds to the already extensive network of MTB tracks... Waihora, Great Lake Trail Destination Great Lake Taupō the long downhill to Kinloch. There are a couple of cafés at Kinloch, as well as toilets and picnic areas. W2K (Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay) and Headland Loop, 13-22.5km From Kinloch, the final section climbs gently over the headland to Whakaipo Bay. If you are feeling fresh at the top of Bike Taupo Chairperson, Rowan Sapsford the hill then you can add 10km to your trip by doing the signposted Headland Loop. There is a shelter and toilet 900m from the top of the climb where the Headland Loop rejoins the main track. From there, it s downhill to Whakaipo Bay where there is a recreation area with another shelter and toilets. This is 13km from Taupo via Acacia Bay. Arrange for a pick-up or pedal into Taupo. 57
things to do... Waihaha Waterfall Destination Great Lake Taupō Artist s Palette Orakei Korako Orakei Korako Also known as the Hidden Valley, this thermal wonderland has silica terraces and caves and more active geysers than any other geothermal field in the country. ALONGSIDE THE TRAIL The scenery is the star of the show alongside this trail. There is a picture-worthy view around every corner. Don t miss the Waihaha Waterfall, which can be seen along the Waihaha to Kotukutuku Stream section of the trail. This picturesque waterfall is about 8-10m high. Kawakawa Bay, on the northern shores of Lake Taupo, is a gorgeous spot for a break along the trail. As well as having shelter and toilet facilities, it also has a pretty picnic spot. Kinloch is a small town on the shores of Lake Taupo, and one of the most populated places along the trail. With brilliant lake and mountain views, it s a great place to stop and relax along your journey. The town has a couple of cafés, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf club and accommodation options, and you can take a fishing charter, scenic cruise or water taxi ride from the Kinloch Marina. The Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve is a former farm that is being restored by plantings with the aim of it becoming a great recreational area. Whakaipo Bay is one of Lake Taupo s most beautiful bays, so the views are breathtaking. Free camping is available here. The Barbary & Kayakers at the Maori Rock Carvings Destination Great Lake Taupō Maori Rock Carvings These impressive carvings at Mine Bay, Lake Taupo, are over 10m high and can only be seen from the water. Taupo a cloak or cape 84km SW of Rotorua on SH 1 absolute lakeview motel 24 refurbished units Lakefront, 50m to town Family & studio units Indoor heated swimming pool / spa pool / sauna Quality well-appointed units Heat pumps / flatscreen TVs FREE wireless internet Off-street parking Absolute Lakeview Motel 58 Lake Terrace, Taupo Ph: 07 378 4440 Email: stay@absolutelakeview.co.nz Reservations Freephone: 0800 72 42 72 Book Online @ www.absolutelakeview.co.nz Airport Motel BOOK DIRECT FREEPHONE: 0800 106 006 Rainbow Drive (PO Box 42), Taupo Phone: 07 378 9681 Fax: 07 378 9684 Reception hours: 8am-9.30pm Email: stay@airportmoteltaupo.co.nz at Rainbow Point book @ www.airportmoteltaupo.co.nz Cottage-style units in tranquil grounds. Ideal for boaties with plenty of parking and close to 2 Mile Bay boat ramp & Lions walkway. Restaurant & dairy adjacent. A cosy log fire in our lounge & opening onto a sunny deck and BBQ area. Book Direct for best prices and service! Your Hosts: John & Shona White www.airportmoteltaupo.co.nz 6]J$TZ2GEB=X 58 MOTELS 5 Whirlpool Units ACAPULCO MOTOR INN 20 ground-floor rooms, serviced daily 3 studio units with king-size beds & spa baths 5 studio rooms, 7 x 2-bedroom, 5 x 1-bedroom with self-filled whirlpools Apartment fully s/c (sleeps 6) BBQ area Children s play area Gym 1 accessible unit No traffic noise Small conference/display rooms Air-con/heat pumps in all units Internet & email facilities FREE WiFi Off-street parking Private spa pool New Zealand s Premier Motel Group 19 Rifle Range Rd, Taupo Email: stay@acapulcotaupo.co.nz www.acapulcotaupo.co.nz www.acapulcotaupo.co.nz Reservations: 0800 378 7174 ALL SEASONS KIWI HOLIDAY PARK TAUPO TAUPO Stay once, Stay always... 16 Rangatira St, Great central accommodation for Taupo PO Box 122, Taupo Cycle Trails P 07 378 4272 F 07 378 1272 reservations@allseasons.nzl.com HAPNZ Cycle Hub Member & Bike Hire Advice & maps for rides to suit all Have contacts for bike mechanic & shuttle service Freecall reservations: 0800 777 272 www.taupoallseasons.co.nz
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Asure Ascot Motor Inn Taupo 70 Rifle Range Rd, Taupo P: 07 377 2474 Reservations Freephone: 0800 800 670 E: info@ascotattaupo.co.nz www.ascotattaupo.co.nz 15 spacious modern units Lake & mountain vistas or private courtyards Large 2-bedroom apartment-style units Very comfortable accessible units Spacious conveniently appointed studios Most units with spa baths Cooking facilities Electric blankets & cosy bedding on all beds Free on-site parking & guest laundry available Corporate rates available Seasonal or special event rates may apply Taking in the blooms at the Taupo Botanical Garden Destination Great Lake Taupō Reservations. info@ascotattaupo.co.nz TAUPO GARDENS A favourite holiday destination, Taupo is strategically placed on the northern shores of Australasia s largest lake, Lake Taupo. Taupo buzzes with action-packed recreation and geothermal activity, but this lively town has a softer side. Taupo possesses many beautiful parks and gardens, including the Taupo Rose Gardens with more than 500 roses bushes, and the beautifully maintained Waipahihi Botanical Reserve. Central location, 1 block to town centre, cafés, restaurants. 14 modern 1 & 2-brm units with heat pumps, separate lounge & kitchen. chevron motel LAKE TAUPO NEW ZEALAND Adjacent RSA and Cosmopolitan Club, 5min walk to lake. Off-street parking suitable for cars, trailers and boats. 4-channel Sky Digital TV. 32 TVs. Tariff: $99-$125 (2 persons), 2-brm units $125-$160, extra person $20. Peak/seasonal rates may apply. 102 Tamamutu St, TAUPO P: 07 378 7360 E: chevron@reap.org.nz FREEPHONE: 0800 CHEVRON (243 876) www.chevron-motel.co.nz HOSTS: Allan & Glenys THERMAL EXPLORERE HWY KARETOTO RD KARAPITI RD HUB Kitchen Cafe HUKA FALLS RD Craters Bike Park Café Get your passes and maps from us and get your kick-start with our stunning Weka coffee plus you can fuel up from our menu or cabinet. 415 Huka Falls Road, Taupo Phone: 07 374 8153 Email: hubkitchencafe@gmail.com Perfect base for Taupo Cycle Trails 406 Acacia Bay Road PO Box 171, Taupo 3351 Closest Park to Kinloch s popular trails P 07 378 5159 Bike hire E info@greatlake.co.nz Trail maps available Self-contained units Cabins Freecall reservations: 0800 473 280 www.greatlake.co.nz 60 GREAT LAKE TAUPO HOLIDAY PARK TAUPO Quiet location - only 500m to lake & town centre Lake & mountain views Large apartment-style units Ideal for families/groups Comfortable, well-appointed rooms WiFi Off-street parking Motorbike & bicycle storage 12 Fletcher St, Taupo Ph: 07 378 9366 Email: info@mountain-view-motel.co.nz www.mountainviewmotel.co.nz RESERVATIONS: 0800 146 6835 EGSR[6
18th green Kinloch Golf Club things to do... GREAT LAKE TRAIL Did You Know? The Jack Nicklaus-designed Kinloch Club golf course has often been compared to the classic link courses in Scotland and Ireland. But instead of sea views, this world-class championship Par 72 course is positioned between panoramic views of Lake Taupo and the natural beauty of rugged farmland. The course was ranked New Zealand s number one golf course in 2014 by New Zealand golf professionals and is rated 76th of the top 100 golf courses outside of America by Golf Digest Magazine. TRAIL HIGHLIGHT Lake Taupo, the biggest lake in Australasia and roughly the size of Singapore, is actually an active supervolcano. Cruising on the lake Destination Great Lake Taupō Lake Taupo was formed by the massive thrill, flyboarding, where high-pressure Oruanui Eruption, blowing a 660sq km water nozzles propel you out of the hole in the earth and sending ash flying water and into the air. There are plenty all over the world. But that was around of land-based activities to explore too 27,000 years ago and now that the dust around the lake. One of Taupo s most has settled and the caldera (collapsed popular walking trails is the Lions crater) has been partly filled by our Walk, or the Great Lake Walkway, which largest lake, it is a fantastic spot for all is an easy stroll along the lake edge, sorts of fun. It s a world-renowned troutfishing paradise and used for myriad and following the shoreline south. You beginning at Two Mile Bay Boat Ramp water-based activities, from kayaking can also take a scenic flight from the the lake shore and scenic cruises to lake itself in a floatplane. parasailing, jet skiing and the latest We have a fleet of Specialised Hard Rock and Avanti mountain bikes. Advice and route maps available at time of hire. There are excellent routes up to the Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Dam, as well as the exciting Craters of the Moon tracks. Our bikes are available for both guests and non-guests alike - a credit card or passport bond is required. 99 Titiraupenga St, Taupo Phone: 07 378 5754 rainbowlodge@clear.net.nz www.rainbowlodge.co.nz Rainbow Lodge TITIRAUPENGA ST SPA RD TANIWHA ST PAORA HAPI ST Pak n Save BUS St. TAMAMUTU ST TONGARIRO ST To Auckland, Rotorua HOROMOTANGI ST To Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Napier RUAPEHU ST LAKE TCE Lake Taupo SACRED WATERS Luxury spacious apartments Individual thermal pools 21m heated pool Undercover in-house parking Gymnasium 32/42-inch LCD TVs Cycle storage available Ph: 0800 727437 07 374 8066 Luxury Lake Edge Accommodation Luxury Apartments TAUPO, NEW ZEALAND Book direct, bring in this ad & receive 10% off SPECTACULAR WHITE-WATER JET BOATING & AMAZING SCENERY! reservations advisable www.rapidsjet.com info@rapidsjet.com 221-225 Lake Terrace, TAUPO P: 07 376 1400 E: info@sacredwaters.co.nz Book Direct @ www.sacredwaters.co.nz Freephone: 0800 722 733 61
Taking in the Mighty Huka Falls Destination Great Lake Taupō Fishing, Turangi Destination Great Lake Taupō NEARBY DESTINATIONS It is hardly surprising that Huka Falls are New Zealand s best known falls; a visit here is an exhilarating (and free!) experience. Not far from their source in Lake Taupo, the waters of the Waikato River rush at almost 250,000 litres (two Olympic-size pools) per second through a sudden chasm and leap over an 11m ledge to foam in a deep semicircular basin. A bridge crosses the chasm just above the falls, with a number of viewing points. If you wish to combine Maori culture with the wonder of silica terraces and geothermal activity, then a visit to Wairakei Terraces should be high on the itinerary. This man-made design is a re-creation of the original terraces that once existed at Wairakei and their beauty is striking. You can take an independent stroll along the walkway to marvel at the pink, blue and white cascading silica terraces, but a guided tour provides a better understanding of the site. Turangi is the perfect destination if you re into nature and sensational scenery. Trout fishing is synonymous with Turangi and anglers flock from far and wide to catch a monster trout here. Other activities in Turangi include rafting, scenic walks and biking trails, the Tongariro National Trout Centre, mini golf and soaking in thermal pools. Call +64 07 378 8559 76 Napier-Taupo Road info@taupodebretts.com www.taupodebretts.co.nz 5-star Qualmark/Holiday Park overlooking Lake Taupo with a bed for all budgets: Cycle Hub FREE WiFi Villas, Lodges, Chalets, Motels, Cabins, Campervans & Campsites Children s Playground, Big Bounce Air Pad & 3 hydroslides Hot Springs & Water Park Day Spa & Café Ph: 07 386 7929 Mob: 0274 700 783 PHONE AHEAD FOR A COFFEE OR A PACKED LUNCH! Café: On the Tongariro River Trail Pre or post-ride supreme coffee Breakfast & lunches Take-out lunches Cooked breakfast Sat & Sun 8-11am All food made fresh daily on site Guide services Turangi after Chief Turangi Tukua 52km SW of Taupo on SH 1 TURANGI KIWI HOLIDAY PARK Mountains, lakes, rivers - explore! TURANGI Closest Kiwi Park to the Tongariro National Park and Ruapehu skifields We are in the centre of it all Tongariro Alpine Crossing Central Plateau has 3 from here mountains & the majestic Accommodation to suit everyone Lake Taupo sites, cabins, motels 62 13 Te Reiti Tamara Grove (off Ohuanga Rd), Turangi P: 07 386 8754 E: turangihp@xtra.co.nz Freecall reservations: 0800 386 875 www.turangiholidaypark.co.nz TACKLE SHOP: All your tackle needs Licences Check us out: www.turangiflyfish.com www.creeltackle.com info@creeltackle.com