Great Lake Trail

Great Lake Trail Part of the NZ Cycle Trail network. Bike or hike the epic journey to invigorate your senses. The trail follows the edge of beautiful Lake Taupo.

Imagine extensive native bush, dramatic snow capped mountains, serene lake views, powerful waterfalls and lyrical bird song, just some of the delights to be enjoyed. The trail follows the western shore of beautiful Lake Taupō, Australasia’s largest fresh water lake and takes in the stunning views across the water to the majestic volcanic mountains of the Tongariro National Park, a dual World Herit

age area. Many of western areas on Lake Taupō are only accessible by the Great Lake Trail so it is a gem for those seeking peace and tranquility. There are two parts to the Great Lake Trail - a 30 km section on the western side of Lake Taupo and a 55 km section on the northern side of the lake. Riders have the option of riding the full trail over 2 – 3 days or opt for a range of shorter rides depending on their level of experience and the time available. If you're walking, it's going to take longer... The trail can be used year round as the free draining pumice soil surface means that even in wet weather there is normally little or no mud. Winter is a great time as the air is crisp and clear and the mountains look incredible. You may even see the steam rising from the volcanic activity at the Te Maari Crater on Mt Tongariro. The Great Lake Trail is part of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail (NZCT) network. Nga Haerenga means 'the journeys’, both in a physical and spiritual sense, which is what you will experience on the Great Lake Trail. It has been built and is maintained by Bike Taupō, a cycling advocacy group who are also skilled track builders. Bike Taupō’s MTB tracks are well renown and were recently accredited by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) as a Silver Ride Centre, the first in NZ. This confirms our MTB tracks are world class and we're proud of them. They include the Craters MTB Park in the Wairakei Forest and the Upper Waikato River Trails which meander along the Waikato River to the famous Huka Falls and mesmerising Aratiatia Rapids.

The Taupo Monday Walkers had a cold but fun outing on the Orakau section of the GLT. A perfect Taupō day to enjoy the tr...
28/07/2026

The Taupo Monday Walkers had a cold but fun outing on the Orakau section of the GLT. A perfect Taupō day to enjoy the trail.

A great opportunity to experience the best one day ride in Aotearoa!!
28/06/2026

A great opportunity to experience the best one day ride in Aotearoa!!

THIS SATURDAY!!!!
Weather report- 🌤️partly cloudy.
Use CODE - specialGLT
Follow the link in the comments to book.
IF YOUR HAVING TROUBLE BOOKING PLEASE GIVE US A CALL-
07 3748154 or send us a message

A great place for a post ride coffee and feed!
19/06/2026

A great place for a post ride coffee and feed!

Did you know we’re just around the corner from the Whakaipo end of the W2K track? 🚴‍♂️

Perfect excuse to roll in for a post ride coffee, a delish bite, or both ☕🍰

And yip there's plenty of room to park the bikes 🙌

03/06/2026
Your feedback keeps funding coming in so we can maintain and improve the trail.Every completed survey = one entry into t...
31/05/2026

Your feedback keeps funding coming in so we can maintain and improve the trail.

Every completed survey = one entry into the draw for a $200 Ground Effect voucher. 🎉

👉 Look for QR codes on the trail or fill it out online at www.biketaupo.org.nz/news/great-lake-trail-survey

Great to see this well deserved recognition for one of our operators! Ka rawe FourB - Bike Hire and Tours you rock!
29/05/2026

Great to see this well deserved recognition for one of our operators! Ka rawe FourB - Bike Hire and Tours you rock!

I'll just leave this here!!

You know what they say. You get out what you put in......and this team puts in a lot!!!! 🎉

Your feedback keeps funding coming in so we can maintain and improve the trail.Every completed survey = one entry into t...
24/05/2026

Your feedback keeps funding coming in so we can maintain and improve the trail.

Every completed survey = one entry into the draw for a $200 Ground Effect voucher. 🎉

👉 Look for QR codes on the trail or fill it out online at www.biketaupo.org.nz/news/great-lake-trail-survey

Our trail crew out doing some maintenance on our trail. Not a bad office!!
15/05/2026

Our trail crew out doing some maintenance on our trail. Not a bad office!!

View of our amazing Lake Taupō from the W2K section of the Great Lake Trails. Thanks once again to Whakaipo Lodge for an...
15/05/2026

View of our amazing Lake Taupō from the W2K section of the Great Lake Trails. Thanks once again to Whakaipo Lodge for an amazing photo!

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PO BOX 1850
Taupo
3330

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