Mountain Bike Trails in Waikato River Trails

Arapuni to Jones Landing

From Arapuni to Jones landing reserve. Starts beside the swing bridge at Arapuni and heads south. Bike along the top of some high bluffs to the Arapuni Dam. Some steep downhills and climbs after this, and a cool traverse past a cliff face near the end.

Dunham Reserve to Atiamuri

This section of the Waikato River Trail is flat and easy to ride. Has several sections of boardwalk over water, and much of the track is alongside farmland. Finishes at a carpark at near the boat ramp into Lake Atiamuri.

Maraetai to Mangakino

From the Maraetai Dam access road, the trail follows the road towards Waipapa Rd before veering toward the river, then follows the river for a few kilometres to Lake Road, near Mangakino village.

River Trail to Waipapa Dam Section

Waikato River Trail section from end of Waotu South Road to Waipapa Dam. Starts with a big switchback descent to river level. Nice forest trail to a big swing bridge across a gorge. Easy riding along forestry roads for a while. Big climb at the end before several flights of stairs to descend to dam level at Waipapa. Bikes and gear need to be carried down these.

Start of Waikato River Trail to Arapuni

Trail starts with a carpark at the Pokaiwhenua stream. Short distance along the river, then follows Horohora road for 4km or so. Heads back to the river at Little Waipa reserve, with sections of boardwalk as well through some wetland areas. Decent climb at the end up into Arapuni. Track hits the road, head left up the hill, then turn right across the road to pick up the track to the top of the hill, where you can walk across the 100 year old swingbridge, and check out the power station.

Waikato River trail - Mangakino to Waipapa

This trail is part of the Waikato river trail network and links Lake Maraetai dam and Waipapa dam. Full of switch backs and forest, this unique trail offers a fantastic ride and beautiful views. A decent level of fitness and confidence on switchbacks is required; as there is approximately 600m of climbing on this trail.

Waikato River trail - Whakamaru to Mangakino

This trail is an awesome scenic route that is a section of the Waikato river trails between Whakamaru and Mangakino/Lake Maraetai. This is a family friendly trail that suits a wide range of fitness and skill levels. The Trail is mostly gravel with some sections of dirt. The Dam Cafe is located just up from the Whakamaru end of the trail.