Great Lake Trail
Transcription
Great Lake Trail
GREAT LAKE TRAIL Cycling Great Lake Trail © Bike Taupo BELOW LEFT: Taking a leap, Taupo BELOW RIGHT: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing; BOTH © Destination Great Lake Taupō 2 DAYS 71km GREAT LAKE Trail The stunning Great Lake Trail follows the shores The Great Lake Trail can be ridden in of beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest all seasons due to its volcanic pumice lake, from Waihaha to Whakaipo Bay. Trail Info surface, however the track can be slippery in places when wet. Knobbly mountain bike tyres are advisable at all T his trail was officially opened sections of trail that can be ridden as times of the year. There can be a cold in April 2014 and provides standalone rides. A water taxi can ferry wind blowing off the mountains, even 71km of all-weather riding riders and bikes to four access points in summer, and parts of the Great Lake along the trail. Trail are exposed and remote, so be through native forest with views across Lake Taupo to the majestic Tongariro National Park. The Great Lake Trail is a Grade Taupo is an International Mountain Riders have the option of riding the full reasonable level of fitness is required to Biking Association (IMBA) Silver Level trail over two days or choosing shorter ride the entire trail. Mountain bikes with Ride Centre and the Great Lake Trail riding options to suit fitness, experience front suspension are recommended. forms part of the Taupo trail network that has been awarded this recognition. TRAIL GRADES: WAIHAHA TO KOTUKUTUKU STREAM - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) WHANGAMATA RD TO LOOK OUT FOR... KAWAKAWA BAY & KINLOCH - Lake Taupo – the ‘Great Lake’ Tongariro National Park Lake Taupo’s reputation as a trout the size of Singapore. An abundance of Views of this magnificent national park fishing haven stretches across the globe, 56 71km prepared. 3 (Intermediate) cycle trail, so a and the time available. There are three 2 Days GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) W2K (KINLOCH TO WHAKAIPO BAY) - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) brown and rainbow trout can be fished are visible along the trail. The park’s and this is in no all year round here (with a licence). landscape and MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: small part due But this is just one activity of the many scenery ranges Cell phone coverage is limited to its massive on offer; get a feel for the immensity from desert to outside of Taupo. size. This is the of Lake Taupo by kayaking, canoeing, vast tussock land, biggest lake wind surfing or sailing. Walking and mountain beech in Australasia mountain biking tracks along the shore forest and and is roughly are also popular. wetlands. DRINKING WATER: Carry enough drinking water for the entire trip. Waihaha Bridge Whakaipo Bay 13-22.5km WHANGAMATA ROAD CAR PARK Whangamata Road to Taupo 11km tapu toilets boat / water taxi route car park start / finish point camping bridge accommodation Puke open section Orakau (Chinamans) Track Whangamata Road 1 state highway K2K Track café/restaurant KAWAKAWA BAY Kotukutuku Stream 32 KINLOCH Whangamata Bay Boat Harbour Western Bay Road Ngangautu 794m W2K Track WAIHORA BAY WHAKAIPO BAY WAIHAHA BRIDGE Te Tuhi Point Wh Te Poroporo Point Waihaha Track a ng am ata Bluffs Headland Loop Waihaha River Lake Taupo (Taupo-nui-a-Tia) © AA Traveller 2015 RIDING THE TRAIL “...The trail complements the region’s reputation as This is a two-day trail, but if you’re very fit track towards the lake. There are a few and make an early start, you can ride from fantastic lookouts on the way. After 14km Waihaha Bridge to Whakaipo Bay in one you will pass a toilet and some signs. There day. You will be riding for a minimum of are no large hills in this section of the trail, eight hours, plus half an hour for a boat trip but quite a few small ones. When you are to connect the two halves. You can get a 30km from the car park, the trail descends shuttle from Taupo or Kinloch and arrange steeply via a series of bridges and for the water taxi to pick you up at 1pm. boardwalks, past Kotukutuku Waterfall, to Transport can be arranged by Tread Routes a beautiful beach on Lake Taupo’s shores. (www.treadroutes.co.nz), Great Lake This is the end of this section of the trail; Shuttles (www.greatlakeshuttles.co.nz), or there is a shelter and toilets here. From Chris Jolly Outdoors (www.chrisjolly.co.nz). Kotukutuku, it is either a long ride back to a year-round cycling destination and adds to the already extensive network of MTB tracks...” Bike Taupo Chairperson, Rowan Sapsford the road, or book the boat to take you to Waihaha to Kotukutuku Stream, 30km The start of the trail is 54km from Taupo, on the south side of the Waihaha River Bridge Kawakawa Bay where the trail resumes. Whangamata Rd car park to Kawakawa Bay & Kinloch, 19km on Western Bays Rd (SH 32). From the car park, weave through forest on a flowing Waihora, Great Lake Trail © Destination Great Lake Taupō From the Whangamata Rd car park, the trail follows the Orakau Stream the long downhill to Kinloch. There are the hill then you can add 10km to your trip and harakeke (flax) wetland through a couple of cafés at Kinloch, as well as by doing the signposted Headland Loop. regenerating native bush down to toilets and picnic areas. There is a shelter and toilet 900m from Kawakawa Bay. The trail is mostly downhill and offers views across the lake to the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. From Kawakawa Bay, where there is Cycling Great Lake Trail © Bike Taupo the top of the climb where the Headland W2K (Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay) and Headland Loop, 13-22.5km Loop rejoins the main track. From there, it’s downhill to Whakaipo Bay where there is a recreation area with another shelter shelter and toilets, a well graded climb From Kinloch, the final section climbs and toilets. This is 13km from Taupo via leads to a rocky lookout. Take in the views gently over the headland to Whakaipo Acacia Bay. Arrange for a pick-up or pedal and catch your breath before enjoying Bay. If you are feeling fresh at the top of into Taupo. 57 GREAT LAKE TRAIL Road Kinloch 9.2km 9.8km MAP LEGEND hill / mountain Kawakawa Bay Whangamata Road car park Kotukutuku Stream 30km GREAT LAKE TRAIL things to do... Waihaha Waterfall © Destination Great Lake Taupō Artist’s Palette © Orakei Korako Orakei Korako Also known as ‘the Hidden Valley’, this thermal wonderland has silica terraces and caves and more active geysers than any other geothermal field in the country. ALONGSIDE THE TRAIL The scenery is the star of the show alongside this trail. There is a picture-worthy view around every corner. Don’t miss the Waihaha Waterfall, a great place to stop and relax along which can be seen along the Waihaha your journey. The town has a couple of to Kotukutuku Stream section of the cafés, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf club trail. This picturesque waterfall is about and accommodation options, and you 8-10m high. can take a fishing charter, scenic cruise Kawakawa Bay, on the northern shores or water taxi ride from the Kinloch of Lake Taupo, is a gorgeous spot for a Marina. break along the trail. As well as having The Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve shelter and toilet facilities, it also has a is a former farm that is being restored pretty picnic spot. by plantings with the aim of it becoming Kinloch is a small town on the shores a great recreational area. Whakaipo Bay of Lake Taupo, and one of the most is one of Lake Taupo’s most beautiful populated places along the trail. With bays, so the views are breathtaking. Free brilliant lake and mountain views, it’s camping is available here. The Barbary & Kayakers at the Maori Rock Carvings © Destination Great Lake Taupō Maori Rock Carvings These impressive carvings at Mine Bay, Lake Taupo, are over 10m high and can only be seen from the water. Taupo a cloak or cape • 84km SW of Rotorua on SH 1 absolute motel lakeview • 24 refurbished units • Lakefront, 50m to town • Family & studio units • Indoor heated swimming pool / spa pool / sauna • Quality well-appointed units • Heat pumps / flatscreen TVs • FREE wireless internet • Off-street parking Absolute Lakeview Motel 58 Lake Terrace, Taupo | Ph: 07 378 4440 Email: [email protected] Reservations Freephone: 0800 72 42 72 Book Online @ www.absolutelakeview.co.nz ort tel at Rainbow Point p r i A Mo book @ www.airportmoteltaupo.co.nz Cottage-style units in tranquil grounds. Ideal for boaties with plenty of parking and close to 2 Mile Bay boat ramp & Lions walkway. Restaurant & dairy adjacent. A cosy log fire in our lounge & opening onto a sunny deck and BBQ area. BOOK DIRECT FREEPHONE: 0800 106 006 Rainbow Drive (PO Box 42), Taupo Your Hosts: John & Shona White Phone: 07 378 9681 • Fax: 07 378 9684 www.airportmoteltaupo.co.nz Reception hours: 8am-9.30pm 6]J$TZ2GEB=X Email: [email protected] TAUPO ACAPULCO MOTOR INN MOTELS 5 Whirlpool Units ■ 20 ground-floor rooms, serviced daily ■ 3 studio units with king-size beds & spa baths ■ 5 studio rooms, 7 x 2-bedroom, 5 x 1-bedroom with self-filled whirlpools ■ Apartment – fully s/c (sleeps 6) ■ BBQ area ■ Children’s play area ■ Gym ■ 1 accessible unit ■ No traffic noise ■ Small conference/display rooms ■ Air-con/heat pumps in all units ■ Internet & email facilities ■ FREE WiFi ■ Off-street parking ■ Private spa pool New Zealand’s Premier Motel Group 19 Rifle Range Rd, Taupo Email: [email protected] www.acapulcotaupo.co.nz www.acapulcotaupo.co.nz 58 Reservations: 0800 378 7174 Book Direct for best prices and service! ALL SEASONS KIWI HOLIDAY PARK TAUPO Stay once, Stay always... • Great central accommodation fo for Taupo Cycle Trails • HAPNZ Cycle Hub Member & Bike Hire • Advice & maps for rides to suit all • Have contacts for bike mechanic & shuttle service 16 Rangatira St, PO Box 122, Taupo P 07 378 4272 F 07 378 1272 [email protected] Freecall reservations: 0800 777 272 www.taupoallseasons.co.nz GREAT LAKE TRAIL 59 Taking in the blooms at the Taupo Botanical Garden © Destination Great Lake Taupō GREAT LAKE TRAIL Asure Ascot Motor Inn Taupo 70 Rifle Range Rd, Taupo P: 07 377 2474 • Reservations Freephone: 0800 800 670 E: [email protected] • www.ascotattaupo.co.nz · · · · · · · · · · · 15 spacious modern units Lake & mountain vistas or private courtyards Large 2-bedroom apartment-style units Very comfortable accessible units Spacious conveniently appointed studios Most units with spa baths Cooking facilities Electric blankets & cosy bedding on all beds Free on-site parking & guest laundry available Corporate rates available Seasonal or special event rates may apply Reservations . [email protected] TAUPO GARDENS A favourite holiday Taupo buzzes with action-packed destination, Taupo is recreation and geothermal activity, strategically placed on but this lively town has a softer side. the northern shores of Taupo possesses many beautiful parks Australasia’s largest lake, and gardens, including the Taupo Rose Gardens with more than 500 roses Lake Taupo. bushes, and the beautifully maintained Waipahihi Botanical Reserve. chevron motel Craters Bike Park Café LAKE TAUPO • NEW ZEALAND Get your passes and maps TO R ETO KAR HUB Kitchen Cafe HUKA S RD FALL 102 Tamamutu St, TAUPO • P: 07 378 7360 • E: [email protected] KARAPITI RD THERMAL EXPLORERE HWY • Adjacent RSA and Cosmopolitan Club, • 4-channel Sky Digital TV. 32” TVs. 5min walk to lake. • Tariff: $99-$125 (2 persons), • Off-street parking suitable for cars, 2-brm units $125-$160, trailers and boats. extra person $20. Peak/seasonal rates may apply. D from us and get your kick-start • Central location, 1 block to town centre, cafés, restaurants. • 14 modern 1 & 2-brm units with heat pumps, separate lounge & kitchen. FREEPHONE: 0800 CHEVRON (243 876) www.chevron-motel.co.nz • HOSTS: Allan & Glenys with our stunning Weka coffee plus you can fuel up from our menu or cabinet. 415 Huka Falls Road, Taupo | Phone: 07 374 8153 Email: [email protected] TAUPO GREAT LAKE TAUPO HOLIDAY PARK Perfect base for Taupo Cycle Trails Closest Park to Kinloch’s popular trails Bike hire Trail maps available Self-contained units Cabins 406 Acacia Bay Road PO Box 171, Taupo 3351 P 07 378 5159 E [email protected] Freecall reservations: 0800 473 280 www.greatlake.co.nz 60 Quiet location - only 500m to lake & town centre Lake & mountain views Large apartment-style units Ideal for families/groups Comfortable, well-appointed rooms WiFi Off-street parking Motorbike & bicycle storage 12 Fletcher St, Taupo Ph: 07 378 9366 Email: [email protected] www.mountainviewmotel.co.nz RESERVATIONS: 0800 146 6835 EGSR[6 GREAT LAKE TRAIL 18th green © Kinloch Golf Club things to do... Did You Know? The Jack Nicklaus-designed Kinloch Club golf course has often been Cruising on the lake © Destination Great Lake Taupō compared to the classic link courses in Scotland and Ireland. But instead of sea views, this world-class championship Par 72 course is positioned between panoramic views TRAIL HIGHLIGHT of Lake Taupo and the natural beauty of rugged farmland. The course was ranked New Zealand’s Lake Taupo, the biggest lake in Australasia and roughly the size of Singapore, is actually an active supervolcano. number one golf course in 2014 by New Zealand golf professionals and is rated 76th of the top 100 golf courses outside of America by Golf Digest Magazine. Lake Taupo was formed by the massive thrill, flyboarding, where high-pressure Oruanui Eruption, blowing a 660sq km water nozzles propel you out of the hole in the earth and sending ash flying water and into the air. There are plenty all over the world. But that was around of land-based activities to explore too 27,000 years ago and now that the dust around the lake. One of Taupo’s most has settled and the caldera (collapsed popular walking trails is the Lions crater) has been partly filled by our Walk, or the Great Lake Walkway, which largest lake, it is a fantastic spot for all is an easy stroll along the lake edge, sorts of fun. It’s a world-renowned trout- beginning at Two Mile Bay Boat Ramp fishing paradise and used for myriad and following the shoreline south. You water-based activities, from kayaking can also take a scenic flight from the the lake shore and scenic cruises to lake itself in a floatplane. parasailing, jet skiing and the latest 99 Titiraupenga St, Taupo Phone: 07 378 5754 [email protected] www.rainbowlodge.co.nz TONGARIRO ST To Auckland, Rotorua RUAPEHU ST CE BUS St. • Luxury spacious apartments • Individual thermal pools • 21m heated pool • Undercover in-house parking • Gymnasium • 32/42-inch LCD TVs • Cycle storage available ET Pak n’Save To Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Napier LAK D AR PAORA HAPI ST TANIWHA ST TAMAMUTU ST TITIRAUPENGA ST HOROMOTANGI ST Rainbow Lodge SP We have a fleet of Specialised “Hard Rock” and Avanti mountain bikes. Advice and route maps available at time of hire. There are excellent routes up to the Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Dam, as well as the exciting Craters of the Moon tracks. Our bikes are available for both guests and non-guests alike - a credit card or passport bond is required. SACRED WATERS Lake Taupo Ph: 0800 727437 • 07 374 8066 Luxury Lake Edge Accommodation Luxury Apartments TAUPO, NEW ZEALAND Book direct, bring in this ad & receive 10% off SPECTACULAR WHITE-WATER JET BOATING W & AMAZING SCENERY! reservations advisable • www.rapidsjet.com • [email protected] 221-225 Lake Terrace, TAUPO P: 07 376 1400 E: [email protected] Book Direct @ www.sacredwaters.co.nz • Freephone: 0800 722 733 61 GREAT LAKE TRAIL Taking in the Mighty Huka Falls © Destination Great Lake Taupō Fishing, Turangi © Destination Great Lake Taupō NEARBY DESTINATIONS It is hardly surprising that Huka Falls basin. A bridge crosses the chasm is a re-creation of the original terraces Turangi is the perfect destination if are New Zealand’s best known falls; a just above the falls, with a number of that once existed at Wairakei and their you’re into nature and sensational visit here is an exhilarating (and free!) viewing points. beauty is striking. You can take an scenery. Trout fishing is synonymous independent stroll along the walkway with Turangi and anglers flock from to marvel at the pink, blue and white far and wide to catch a monster trout cascading silica terraces, but a guided here. Other activities in Turangi include tour provides a better understanding of rafting, scenic walks and biking trails, the site. the Tongariro National Trout Centre, mini experience. Not far from their source in Lake Taupo, the waters of the Waikato River rush at almost 250,000 litres (two Olympic-size pools) per second through a sudden chasm and leap over an 11m ledge to foam in a deep semicircular Call +64 07 378 8559 76 Napier-Taupo Road [email protected] www.taupodebretts.co.nz If you wish to combine Maori culture with the wonder of silica terraces and geothermal activity, then a visit to Wairakei Terraces should be high on the itinerary. This man-made design 5-star Qualmark/Holiday Park overlooking Lake Taupo with a bed for all budgets: • Cycle Hub • FREE WiFi • Villas, Lodges, Chalets, Motels, Cabins, Campervans & Campsites • Children’s Playground, Big Bounce Air Pad & 3 hydroslides • Hot Springs & Water Park • Day Spa & Café golf and soaking in thermal pools. Ph: 07 386 7929 Mob: 0274 700 783 PHONE AHEAD FOR A COFFEE OR A PACKED LUNCH! Café: • On the Tongariro River Trail • Pre or post-ride supreme coffee • Breakfast & lunches • Take-out lunches • Cooked breakfast Sat & Sun 8-11am • All food made fresh daily on site • Guide services Turangi after Chief Turangi Tukua • 52km SW of Taupo on SH 1 TURANGI TURANGI KIWI HOLIDAY PARK Mountains , lakes, rivers - explore! Closest Kiwi Park to the Tongariro National Park and Ruapehu skifields • We are in the centre of it all • Tongariro Alpine Crossing • Central Plateau has 3 from here mountains & the majestic • Accommodation to suit everyone Lake Taupo – sites, cabins, motels 13 Te Reiti Tamara Grove (off Ohuanga Rd), Turangi P: 07 386 8754 E: [email protected] Freecall reservations: 0800 386 875 www.turangiholidaypark.co.nz 62 TACKLE SHOP: All your tackle needs • Licences Check us out: www.turangiflyfish.com • www.creeltackle.com • [email protected]
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