Overview
Enjoy an easy 2 to 2.5 hour mountain bike ride, and 4 hours kayaking on the pristine of Lake Taupo in one day on a Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking & Mountain Biking Combo in New Zealand.
From our base in Acacia Bay, we meet and load your bike before proceeding to Kinloch by road. There you will ride the Great Lake Trail via the W2K or Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay route.
Bike Trail
Setting off from the Kinlock Domain, let the markers around the marina and along the waterfront guide you as you make your way up a gully to Boojum Dell. Expect a steady ascent through native bush and onto the headland where you’ll look across breathtaking lake views and back down into Kinloch. A toilet and a map can be found at the junction of the Headland Loop.
From this point on, the track descends through native bush towards Whakaipo Bay down the winding pumice trail. No major importing of gravel was done into this track so the trail affords a real mountain biking experience. Enjoy riding on twisting tracks around some hillside curves and take in commanding views of the lake, and to the south, the Tongariro National Park. Hear the twittering of native birds along the Great Lake Trail and the wind ruffling the bushes at one of the beautiful viewpoints along the way. On this section of the trail, there are some wonderful fast flowing sections to look forward to.
Approaching the last stretch of the track, you will pedal through farmland and sheep paddocks on your way down to Whakaipo Bay. Lying on the shores of Lake Taupo, the bay is one of the remaining untouched public and farmed reserves that has stayed rustic and raw you will be left breathless.
Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking
Your gourmet lunch awaits you here at Whakaipo Bay, and you’ll enjoy your meal either on the lake shore or amidst the rustic land. Following lunch, you will be provided with equipment by your guide for your kayaking journey ahead. Look up at the historic Maori rock carvings as we paddle past Mine Bay and while you float beneath them, listen as your experienced guide explains the cultural significance of these captivating carvings to the lake and the surrounding areas. Returning to base, sweep past soaring cliffs, below native bush and small inlets and marvel at the kayak slicing through the crystal clear waters.
For riders with less experience or lower level of physical fitness, the trip can be run in the opposite direction but still provides a decent climb with all the rewards of a good ride: fast and flowing downhills, incredible views, and a workout.
Details
Difficulty: 3
Start: Taupo (9am)
Finish: Taupo (approx. 5pm)
Includes:
- Guide / Full instruction
- Mountain bike and helmet
- Top quality kayaking equipment
- Gourmet lunch and refreshments
- Transport* to and from tracks – from our base
*Transport: On request only (if you do not have your own transport) – Pick up from/to Taupo CBD. Please contact us to arrange.
Overview
Enjoy an easy 2 to 2.5 hour mountain bike ride, and 4 hours kayaking on the pristine of Lake Taupo in one day on a Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking & Mountain Biking Combo in New Zealand.
From our base in Acacia Bay, we meet and load your bike before proceeding to Kinloch by road. There you will ride the Great Lake Trail via the W2K or Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay route.
Bike Trail
Setting off from the Kinlock Domain, let the markers around the marina and along the waterfront guide you as you make your way up a gully to Boojum Dell. Expect a steady ascent through native bush and onto the headland where you’ll look across breathtaking lake views and back down into Kinloch. A toilet and a map can be found at the junction of the Headland Loop.
From this point on, the track descends through native bush towards Whakaipo Bay down the winding pumice trail. No major importing of gravel was done into this track so the trail affords a real mountain biking experience. Enjoy riding on twisting tracks around some hillside curves and take in commanding views of the lake, and to the south, the Tongariro National Park. Hear the twittering of native birds along the Great Lake Trail and the wind ruffling the bushes at one of the beautiful viewpoints along the way. On this section of the trail, there are some wonderful fast flowing sections to look forward to.
Approaching the last stretch of the track, you will pedal through farmland and sheep paddocks on your way down to Whakaipo Bay. Lying on the shores of Lake Taupo, the bay is one of the remaining untouched public and farmed reserves that has stayed rustic and raw you will be left breathless.
Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking
Your gourmet lunch awaits you here at Whakaipo Bay, and you’ll enjoy your meal either on the lake shore or amidst the rustic land. Following lunch, you will be provided with equipment by your guide for your kayaking journey ahead. Look up at the historic Maori rock carvings as we paddle past Mine Bay and while you float beneath them, listen as your experienced guide explains the cultural significance of these captivating carvings to the lake and the surrounding areas. Returning to base, sweep past soaring cliffs, below native bush and small inlets and marvel at the kayak slicing through the crystal clear waters.
For riders with less experience or lower level of physical fitness, the trip can be run in the opposite direction but still provides a decent climb with all the rewards of a good ride: fast and flowing downhills, incredible views, and a workout.