Taupō
Inside the Episode
The biggest lake in New Zealand provides Vandy and Deetz with so much adventure, fun and laughter, that neither wanted their fun filled week to end. Our intrepid duo discover why Taupō is a true bike destination in its own right, with trails that wind through ancient forest and serviced only by water taxi, giant waterfalls, bungee jumping, hot pools, MTB parks, lakeside bars with 80’s music, glamping, guitar solos and so much more. It’s no wonder more Kiwis holiday here than anywhere else in NZ.
Meet the Locals
Johnny Clapott, FourB
Amy Masters, local rider
Casey Brunsdon, Lil Something
Tahlia Hook, Chris Jolly Outdoors
Toad, AJ Hackett Bungy
Chris Johnston, Replete Cafe & Store
Libby O'brien, Taupō local
Ian Cammell, Taxi Cat Adventures
Alex Leal and Abby Cox, local riders
Chopper, Hukafalls Jet
EAT
EAT
two mile bay sailing club
Nestled right on Lake Taupō, Two Mile Bay Sailing Club is the only place you can perch up right on the water. Pop in for some beer, pizza and a sunset!
EAT
replete cafe & STORE
Replete has been in Taupō for thirty years and is undoubtably the best coffee in town.
EAT
lil something
This food truck is in Spa Thermal Park right next to the Waikato River. Famous for it’s ice cream it’s a great place to stop along the ride.
stay
STAY
kinloch glamping
Just outside of Taupō is the town of Kinloch. This secluded glamping spot nestled in the hills has great views of the lake and a gorgeous bath tub.
STAY
Huka Lodge
Long regarded as one of the world’s most revered and inspirational luxury accommodations, Huka Lodge is set among established gardens along the banks of the surging Waikato River.
STAY
Wairakei resort
Settled amongst Spa Thermal Park and right next to craters MTB Park, Wairakei Resort is lovely accommodation with endless facilities to enjoy.
play
PLAY
HukaFalls Jet
This experience is a must! The Huka Falls are a site to see, but checking them out with 30 minutes of thrills along the river makes it unforgettable.
PLAY
Wairakei Terraces
A must visit geothermal pool to check out and relax the muscles after a big day on the bike.
PLAY
Ngatoroirangi Rock Carvings
This 14 metre tall rock sculpture will never have a photo do it justice. Make sure you book a tour with Chris Jolly Outdoors to check it out and catch some trout while you’re on the lake!
ride
RIDE
CRATERS Mountain bike park
An XC rider's dream, with hand cut trails on grippy dirt, weaving through pine forests and gullies and spiced up with a couple of very cool flow trails. The highlight? The Mr and Mrs trail through a gorgeous fern forest with a hot springs waterfall. Grade 2 - 4.
RIDE
Great Lake trails
The Great Lake Trails are a journey of volcanic discovery through lush native forest, past sparkling waterfalls, over deep gorges and down to crystal clear waters.
RIDE
huka trails
Ride a network of trails that wind along the Waikato River, connecting Taupō township with the Huka Falls, Aratiatia Dam, Wairakei Tourist Park and Craters Mountain Bike Park.
Check out our interactive map to learn more about where we went in this episode of Trail Towns.
Make sure to let us know if you replicate this adventure via social media!
This episode is sponsored by
Explore Other Episodes
Episode Three: Lake Taupō
Episode One: The Beginning
Episode Two: The Hauraki Rail Trail and Rotorua
Episode Five: Timaru and the Alps 2 Ocean
Episode Four: Christchurch & The West Coast
Episode Six: Queenstown & Wānaka