K2K - Great Lake Trail, Taupo [Ep#43]
After a serene break at Kawakawa Bay, I hit the K2K section of Taupo's Great Lake Trail.
A 2.4km climb ends with a stunning view and then a long flowing downhill into Kinloch has the Spitfire's Halo hubs singing.
This is one trail I could ride again and again.
Special thanks to Bruce and Matt at Banshee Bikes New Zealand for the Spitfire.
Trailforks:
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2018 Banshee Spitfire race build specs
Fork: Rockshox Pike RCT3 160mm
Shock: Rockshox Monarch RT3
Headset: Banshee Munro Taper 44/56
Seatpost: Rockshox Reverb Stealth
Freewheel: SRAM GX Eagle 50T
Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle 12SP
Shifter: SRAM GX Eagle 12SP
Brakes: SRAM Guide RS 180mm (f&r)
Crankset: Truvativ Descendant 6K
Rims: Halo Vapour 35 27.5”
Hubs: Halo Spin Doctor / Supa Drive BOOST
Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR 27.5 x 2.3
Handlebar: Renthal Fatbar Carbon 35 20mm rise
Stem: Renthal Apex 35 40mm
Grips: Renthal Ultra Tacky
Saddle: Gusset
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Stay in touch via Facebook:
Instagram: @the_average_mtb_guy
Great Lake Trail- Lake Taupo, New Zealand
The stunning Great Lake Trail follows the shores of beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake.This all-seasons trail explores the forested shores of Lake Taupo, with inspiring views across to the peaks of Tongariro National Park.
Learn more:
Waihaha (Great Lake Trail) Mountain Bike Trail Guide Video, Great Lake Taupo, New Zealand
The Waihaha Trail is set deep in the bush of Taupo’s western bays. It features rich native bush, towering volcanic rock cliffs and a waterfall hidden deep in the Waihaha Valley.
It is a well-drained, grade 3 trail that is 11km long. The trail is a mix of uphill climbs and downhill cruises, with some flat sections. Riders with moderate levels of fitness can expect to complete the ride in 2-3 hours.
Getting There :
From Taupo, drive 54kms to the Waihaha River Bridge on Western Bay Road. The track starts from the car park at the southern end of the bridge.
The trail follows the river for a few hundred metres before it crosses the river on a swing bridge. It then gently climbs up the cliffs, following the course of the river to a lookout with views of the Waihaha Valley and waterfall, as well as panoramic views of Lake Taupo to the north and east.
You’ll continue along to the trail end where you will be picked up by your pre-arranged shuttle service, or make the return ride back to your car.
Those with good fitness levels can continue on to the Waihora Trail, a further 17km to the lake edge of Waihora Bay. Here a pre-booked water taxi can ferry you to Kawakawa Bay or Kinloch.
Visit for more information.
Waihora (Great Lake Trail) Mountain Bike Trail Guide Video, Great Lake Taupo, New Zealand
The Waihora portion of the Great Lake Trail continues north from the end of the Waihaha Trail. It is a 17km, testing grade 3, which is well drained. It should take 2-3 hours to complete for those with moderate fitness levels.
There are six moderately challenging climbs and descents along the trail, each with rewarding views across the lake. Take a break at one of these lookouts for a well-earned photo opportunity and a drink.
You’ll ride through Kamahi trees and past volcanic rock formations (typical of the western bays). Look out for ‘Echo Rock’ as you weave through rich bush and across some picturesque bridges and boardwalks on the final descent down towards Kotukutuku Stream. The track ends on the lake edge at Waihora Bay.
Getting There :
The trail can be accessed by car at the end of Waihaha Rd, about 45km south west of Taupo along state highway 32.
If you don’t wish to make the return ride back to your car, you can park your car at Kinloch and book a shuttle to drop you of at the start of the trail and a water taxi to pick you up in Waihora Bay and return you to Kinloch.
The boat ride back to Kinloch from the trail end is the perfect way to finish the ride, offering some spectacular views of the lake on the return journey.
Visit for more information.
Great Lake Trail, Taupo W2K - Ride Rotorua
A wet day on the W2K section of the Great Lake trail In Taupo, New Zealand.
Bikes:
Santa Cruz Tallboy LTc
Specialized S-Works Enduro 29
Waihaha (Great Lake Trail Taupo)
Manawatu Mountain Bike Club Queens Birthday weekend ride
Music:
Great Lake Trail, Waihaha Section Mountain Bike Trail Guide, Taupō, New Zealand
The Waihaha section of the Great Lake Trail is set deep in the bush of Taupō’s western bays. It features rich native bush, towering volcanic rock cliffs and a waterfall hidden deep in the Waihaha Valley.
It is a well-drained, grade 3 trail that is 11km long. The trail is a mix of uphill climbs and downhill cruises, with some flat sections. Riders with moderate levels of fitness can expect to complete the ride in 2-3 hours.
K2K (Great Lake Trail) Mountain Bike Trail Guide Video, Great Lake Taupo, New Zealand
The K2K Trail presents a more challenging ride than the mostly downhill Orakau Trail, but its rewards are greater, with stunning views back to the western bays and south to the mountains of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Tongariro National Park.
This challenging 2-3 hour ride is a well-drained, 9 km grade 3 trail. It contains an equal mix of uphill, downhill and flat sections, making it suitable for those with moderate fitness levels or for beginners ready to progress to the next level of riding.
Getting There :
The trail can be ridden from either end - from the south (starting at Kawakawa Bay) as a continuation of the Orakau trail or from the north starting in Kinloch Village.
If riding from the south (Kawakawa Bay to Kinloch):
When riding northward, the trail begins with a steady climb for 3 kilometres then settles for the next 3 kilometres as you rise up and over the headland. The trail then descends to the lake front’s flatter ground as you ride toward Kinloch Village.
Once at Kinloch you can end your ride with a meal at the local cafe, or continue northward on the next section of trail (W2K) to Whakaipo Bay.
If riding from the north (Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay):
When riding south from Kinloch the trail starts with a flat section across Whangamata Bay for just over 3km. From there the trail begins a short climb over 1km onto the headland before commencing a 3km descent into Kawakawa Bay.
When you reach the end of the trail you can either make the return ride back to Kinloch; be picked up by water taxi; or continue on to the western end of the Orakau trail to be picked up by shuttle.
Visit for more information.
Orakau (Great Lake Trail) Mountain Bike Trail Guide Video, Great Lake Taupo, New Zealand
The Orakau Trail is a mostly downhill trail starting from Whangamata Road, heading down to the lake edge in Kawakawa Bay.
The trail is an 11km, grade 3 ride with a well-drained surface, making it suitable for those with moderate fitness levels or beginners looking to progress. The track will also be really enjoyable for more experienced riders who will be able to take advantage of some free flowing sections.
Getting There :
Access to the trail is via the car park on Whangamata Road, 30km from Taupo. You can leave your car here or arrange to be dropped off by a shuttle service.
The trail follows the Orakau Stream and wetlands through beautiful native bush down to the lake edge at Kawakawa Bay which is an ideal spot for lunch and a rest prior to making the return ascent to your car or being picked up by water taxi.
You can also continue to ride the next section of the Great Lake Trail, the K2K section, which takes you from Kawakawa Bay to Kinloch.
Visit for more information.
Great Lake Trail - Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Great Lake Trail - Lake Taupo, New Zealand.
Find luxury holiday packages at
Great Lake Trail, K2K Section Mountain Bike Trail Guide, Taupō, New Zealand
The K2K Bike Trail has stunning views back to the western bays of Lake Taupō and south to the mountains of the Tongariro National Park.
This challenging 2-3 hour ride is a well-drained, 9 km grade 3 trail. It contains an equal mix of uphill, downhill and flat sections, making it suitable for those with moderate fitness levels or for beginners ready to progress to the next level of riding.
Find more at LoveTaupō.com.
Great Lake Trail
On the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand, lies an epic mountain biking adventure. What began as a pipe dream for a crew of local trail builders has evolved into the stunning Great Lake Trail, a 71km mountain biking and walking journey that will take you deep into the native bush surrounding the beautiful Lake Taupo.
Great Lake Trail, W2K & Headland Loop Mountain Bike Section Guide, Taupō, New Zealand
The W2K Trail is another one of the Great Lake Trail’s northern sections, and offers access to the Headland Loop, which explores the Whangamata Bay headland.
The grade 3 trail can be started in Kinloch and ridden north to Whakaipo Bay. It will take you approximately 2-3 hours to ride the 13km track.
Find out more at LoveTaupō.com
Great Lake Trail TAUPO, NZ
8/12/2011 Great Lake Trail TAUPO, New Zealand
Great Lake Trail, Waihora Section Bike Trail Guide, Taupō, New Zealand
The Waihora section of the Great Lake Trail continues north from the end of the Waihaha mountain bike trail. It is a 17km, testing grade 3, which is well drained. It should take 2-3 hours to complete for those with moderate fitness levels.
There are six moderately challenging climbs and descents along the trail, each with rewarding views across the Lake Taupō. Take a break at one of these lookouts for a well-earned photo opportunity and a drink.
You’ll ride through Kamahi trees and past volcanic rock formations (typical of the western bays of Taupō). Look out for ‘Echo Rock’ as you weave through rich bush and across some picturesque bridges and boardwalks on the final descent down towards Kotukutuku Stream. The track ends on the lake edge at Waihora Bay.
Find out more at LoveTaupō.com.
Great Lake Trail, Taupo: Orakau to Kawakawa Bay [Ep#42]
The Great Lake Trail on the shores of Lake Taupo is considered one of the best rides in the region, and would be in the top ten rides in the country. It consists of four sections and in this episode I tackle the the Orakau trail which runs from Whangamata Rd to Kawakawa Bay.
What makes it more special for me is I get to do it on a Banshee Spitfire - a bike that I've been very keen to ride ever since I started mountain biking. Special thanks to Bruce and Matt at Banshee Bikes New Zealand for the Spitfire.
Trailforks:
------------------------------------------------------------
2018 Banshee Spitfire race build
Fork: Rockshox Pike RCT3 160mm
Shock: Rockshox Monarch RT3
Headset: Banshee Munro Taper 44/56
Seatpost: Rockshox Reverb Stealth
Freewheel: SRAM GX Eagle 50T
Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle 12SP
Shifter: SRAM GX Eagle 12SP
Brakes: SRAM Guide RS 180mm (f&r)
Crankset: Truvativ Descendant 6K
Rims: Halo Vapour 35 27.5”
Hubs: Halo Spin Doctor / Supa Drive BOOST
Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR 27.5 x 2.3
Handlebar: Renthal Fatbar Carbon 35 20mm rise
Stem: Renthal Apex 35 40mm
Grips: Renthal Ultra Tacky
Saddle: Gusset
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch via Facebook:
Instagram: @the_average_mtb_guy
What I ride:
Gear I use:
W2K & Headland Loop (Great Lake Trail) Mountain Bike Trail Guide Video, Great Lake Taupo
The W2K Trail is another one of the Great Lake Trail’s northern sections, and offers access to the Headland Loop, which explores the Whangamata Bay headland.
The grade 3 trail can be started in Kinloch and ridden north to Whakaipo Bay. It will take you approximately 2-3 hours to ride the 13km track.
Heading northward from Kinloch, the W2K trail climbs steadily up through native bush and onto the headland, providing great views across the lake and back down into Kinloch. Past the top of the trail there is the option to ride the 9.5 kilometer Headland loop trail.
The Headland loop trail follows the top of the Whangamata Bluffs out to the end of the headland and features more stunning native bush and views across the lake to the Kaimanawa Ranges, Karangahape Cliffs and Tongariro National Park to the south.
To shorten the trip you can just bypass the Headland Loop turn off and continue along the long flowing descent through native bush into Whakaipo Bay.
Along the way there is also a short lookout trail that offers views of Kinloch and Whangamata Bay.
You can also ride this trail in reverse from Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch.
Getting There :
Car parking is available at both ends of the trail, and you can arrange a shuttle service to pick you up if you don’t want to ride the return trip.
The Orakau Trail is a mostly downhill trail starting from Whangamata Road, heading down to the lake edge in Kawakawa Bay.
The trail is an 11km, grade 3 ride with a well-drained surface, making it suitable for those with moderate fitness levels or beginners looking to progress. The track will also be really enjoyable for more experienced riders who will be able to take advantage of some free flowing sections.
Getting There :
Access to the trail is via the car park on Whangamata Road, 30km from Taupo. You can leave your car here or arrange to be dropped off by a shuttle service.
The trail follows the Orakau Stream and wetlands through beautiful native bush down to the lake edge at Kawakawa Bay which is an ideal spot for lunch and a rest prior to making the return ascent to your car or being picked up by water taxi.
You can also continue to ride the next section of the Great Lake Trail, the K2K section, which takes you from Kawakawa Bay to Kinloch.
Visit for more information.
Great Lake Taupo, New Zealand
A majestic volcanic landscape, lush green forests and the largest lake in the southern hemisphere define the remarkable region of Great Lake Taupo. The stunning natural environment and huge range of adventure and outdoor activities on offer make Great Lake Taupo one of the most popular travel destinations in New Zealand. Find out more at GreatLakeTaupo.com.
Great Lake Trail, Orakau Section Mountain Bike Trail Guide, Taupō, New Zealand
The Orakau Trail is a mostly downhill trail starting from Whangamata Road, heading down to the lake edge in Kawakawa Bay.
The trail is an 11km, grade 3 ride with a well-drained surface, making it suitable for those with moderate fitness levels or beginners looking to progress. The track will also be really enjoyable for more experienced riders who will be able to take advantage of some free flowing sections.
Find out more at LoveTaupō.com.
Orakau trail to Kawakawa Bay - Taupo Great Lake Trail- 60 sec clip
MTB ride - Orakau trail, starting @ Whangamata Rd, running to Kawakawa Bay