Great Lake Trail Waihaha Section
A premier mountain biking and walking trail offering stunning Lake Taupo views, native bush, and waterfalls. A must-visit North Island gem!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Great Lake Trail Waihaha Section
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier mountain biking and walking trail offering stunning Lake Taupo views, native bush, and waterfalls. A must-visit North Island gem!
"This is one of the best trails I have ever ridden. Track in great condition, and it is well rated as a Grade 3 ride."
📲 Download Trail Apps
Essential for navigation! Trailforks or AllTrails are key for this popular route . :iphone:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friend! Dogs are allowed off-leash on many sections, making it a treat for everyone . 🐕
Quick Facts
Rating
4.3 · 14 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Waihaha Section Trail
Great Lake Trail
A favorite one-day ride with stunning lake views, waterfalls, and varied terrain. A true North Island gem!
Lake Taupo Panoramas
Various viewpoints along the trail
Breathtaking views of Lake Taupo, especially from the Headland Loop. Moody days add to the atmosphere .
Native Bush & Waterfalls
Along the Waihaha Section
Enjoy a cool, pleasant ride through beautiful native bush, punctuated by refreshing waterfalls .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & App Savvy
Best for Intermediate Riders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📲 Download Trail Apps
Essential for navigation! Trailforks or AllTrails are key for this popular route. :iphone:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friend! Dogs are allowed off-leash on many sections, making it a treat for everyone. 🐕
💧 Waterfalls & Views
The trail boasts beautiful waterfalls and stunning Lake Taupo panoramas. Don't miss the Headland Loop! :camerawithflash:
👟 Intermediate Challenge
A Grade 3 trail. Great for beginners but requires good skill and concentration. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
📲 Download Trail Apps
Essential for navigation! Trailforks or AllTrails are key for this popular route. :iphone:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friend! Dogs are allowed off-leash on many sections, making it a treat for everyone. 🐕
💧 Waterfalls & Views
The trail boasts beautiful waterfalls and stunning Lake Taupo panoramas. Don't miss the Headland Loop! :camerawithflash:
👟 Intermediate Challenge
A Grade 3 trail. Great for beginners but requires good skill and concentration. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Shuttle Options
Consider shuttle services for a convenient one-way trip, especially for longer rides. 🚌
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Waihaha Section, calling it one of the best trails they've ever ridden or walked. The well-maintained track, stunning Lake Taupo views, and beautiful native bush are consistently praised. It's considered a rewarding experience for both bikers and walkers, though intermediate skill is recommended for cycling.
"We rode our mtbs with our spaniel Fred today from Kinloch for the first time on the brilliant W2K track. Alot of work has gone into the trail that is for sure... wide and mostly smooth with some stunning views.. Grade 3 / intermediate skill is a good description. It is a treat to be able to take doggo somewhere he is allowed off lead. His tail was like a propeller all day as was ours. Thank you team."
Anna
"Bikers, walkers, and runners will be rewarded with stunning Lake Taupo views and varied terrain. Starting near Kinloch, enjoy a steady climb through native bush leading to breathtaking panoramas (the Headland Loop is a must!). The descent towards Whakaipo Bay is a fun, flowing experience through forest and farmland.
Well-maintained and generally intermediate, allow 2-4 hours for biking. Walkers and runners can tailor the distance. Toilets are at the Headland Loop junction. Consider shuttle options for one-way trips. Parking is available at both ends. This section offers a fantastic taste of the Great Lake Trail's beauty for all active visitors"
Binky T
"This is one of the best trails I have ever ridden. Track in great condition, and it is well rated as a Grade 3 ride. Required a good skill level and good concentration. Bush is beautiful, as are the views of Lake Taupo. Will certainly ride this trail again."
Terry White
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Waihaha Section is accessible from various points. Many visitors start near Kinloch, which offers parking and is a popular starting point for the W2K track. Shuttle services can also be arranged for convenient one-way trips.
Yes, parking is available at both ends of the trail, including near Kinloch and Whakaipo Bay, making it accessible for day-trippers.
It's highly recommended to use navigation apps like Trailforks or AllTrails. These apps provide real-time updates and detailed maps for the Waihaha Section and surrounding trails.
Some users have mentioned boat pick-ups after rides, suggesting that water access or transport is a possibility for certain sections or arrangements.
Besides Kinloch, other sections of the Great Lake Trail can be accessed from various points around Lake Taupo, including Turangi and the Waikato River trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Waihaha Section of the Great Lake Trail is generally free to access for biking, walking, and running. There are no specific ticket requirements for entry.
The trail is open year-round, from dawn till dusk. There are no set operating hours, allowing for flexible visits.
No, there is no entrance fee for the Great Lake Trail, including the Waihaha Section. It's a public access trail.
While not explicitly mentioned, local tourism operators in the Taupo area may offer guided tours for the Great Lake Trail. It's worth checking with local adventure companies.
Dogs are allowed off-leash on many sections of the Great Lake Trail, including the Waihaha Section, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Waihaha Section is rated as a Grade 3 (intermediate) trail. It's well-maintained and suitable for beginners, but requires good skill and concentration due to its ups, downs, and flowing terrain.
For biking, it typically takes 2-4 hours to complete the Waihaha Section, depending on your pace and fitness level. Walkers and runners can tailor their distance and time.
Yes, toilets are available at key points along the Great Lake Trail, including junctions like the Headland Loop.
Yes, the Waihaha Section is suitable for families, especially those with older children or beginners who are comfortable with intermediate trails. The wide, smooth sections make it enjoyable for shared use.
Expect stunning panoramic views of Lake Taupo, beautiful native bush, and refreshing waterfalls. The Headland Loop is particularly recommended for its breathtaking vistas.
📸 📸 Photography
The Headland Loop offers breathtaking panoramas of Lake Taupo, making it a prime photography spot. Keep an eye out for scenic waterfalls and the lush native bush for diverse shots.
Afternoons can offer beautiful dappled sunlight filtering through the native bush, creating a magical atmosphere. Moody days can also provide dramatic lighting for capturing the lake.
Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash on many sections, so you can capture fun shots of your pet enjoying the scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views and bush. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. Consider a lightweight setup for biking or hiking.
The Headland Loop is a must-see for its elevated views. Also, look for clearings that offer unobstructed shots of Lake Taupo and the surrounding landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit