Family Cycling Routes Around Lake Taupo: A Guide for All Ages and Budgets

Discover the stunning lakeside views and forest trails of Lake Taupō from the comfort of your bike. From the family-friendly Great Lake Walkway to the adrenaline-filled Craters Mountain Bike Park, this guide covers the best cycling routes in the area, no matter your age or skill level. 

Looking for somewhere to cycle through some scenery? Head straight to Lake Taupō. It’s one of the best places in North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui to see natural wonders up-close, and it’s even better on a bike. Here, you’ll find trails for all ages and skill levels, each boasting a view that’s impossible to unsee. So, hop in your Thrifty rental car, followed by your bike, then take a ride way through Lake Taupō, collecting memories along the way. Let’s go! 

Ride With a View at Great Lake Walkway (Lion’s Walk)

This path will take you along the lakefront from Taupō town to Wharewaka Point. It’s an easy one for kids, and will take around 1.5 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll be in the company of some amazing views of Lake Taupō and the towering mountains of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu. It’s no wonder this track was once voted New Zealand's Favourite Urban Ride! 

Go off the Path at Craters Mountain Bike Park

Ready to go off road? If so, Craters Mountain Bike Park is calling your name. Hop on the bikes and whiz through a 55 km track in the middle of a beautiful pine plantation. It’s an epic experience, yet it manages to cater to all levels. You’ll find steep areas and perfect berms, along with some big jumps for the pros. Entry requires a small fee, but the quality of the trails and views make it worth every cent. 

Switch Gears at Waihāhā Track

For something a little more serious, the Waihāhā Track will take you along the river, over a swing bridge and towards a cliff, which’ll keep the thrill alive for a good 1.5 hours. Along the way, keep an eye on the view of Waihāhā River canyon, Tieke Falls, volcanic rocks and  bushland filled with native tanekaha.  

Ride by the Water at Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay Track

For a mid-level ride with top-level reward, take the Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay Track. You’ll kick off in the charming little village of Kinloch, then make your way along the lake’s edge until you start to ascend through the native bush. On the way up, take in sweeping views of Codgers Rock Lookout, and on the way down make a stop at Kawakawa Bay, where the water will help you recharge before you loop back to Kinloch. It's a 1.5 hour journey you’ll never forget. 

Enjoy the View at Tongariro River Trail

For a crowd-pleasing ride, this easygoing loop follows the Tongariro River through farmland and native bush, rewarding you with an amazing lookout at the end. Along the way, the mountains Tongariro National Park will watch you ride, while the swinging bridge will throw a curveball into your already unpredictable adventure. 

Ready to Ride?

Lake Taupō is a hidden gem for cyclists, but now the secret’s out. The only thing you have to do is choose the tracks, hop on the bikes and tick them off.  And, in your Thrifty rental car, you’ll have a cost-effective and reliable way of seeking them out. We’ve got a great range of rides for all budgets, so check out our fleet and book your favourite to accompany your Lake Taupō ride.