Family-friendly bike trails

2 minute read Author: Love Taupō 25 June 2025

Tūrangi

Share this page

Copy the link below, or share it directly to your favourite platform.

Family-friendly bike trails

There are few better ways to enjoy Taupo's epic scenery, lake, riverside picnic spots and stunning native bush than from the saddle of a bike. Taupo offers a number of excellent family-friendly trails that are fun, scenic and perfect for building confidence.

Tongariro River Trail

2504_img_turangi_tongariro_river_trails_biking_hiking_fishing_swing_bridge_bikers_fly_fisher_large_2580x1440

The Tongariro River Trail, starting in Turangi, is a gentle 14km loop track suitable for families and recreational riders. It follows the world-famous trout river past rolling farmland, beech forests and fern glades with spectacular views at almost every bend.

Craters Mountain Bike Park

2504_img_taupo_town_four_b_biking_ebike_craters_park_group_riding_through_forest_section_family_friendly_supervolcanic_large_2580x1440

Craters Mountain Bike Park is a purpose-built mountain bike park located only a short 5-minute drive from Taupo town, with trails ranging from children’s entry level to technical cross country.

Great Lake Pathway (Lion's Walk)

2504_img_taupo_town_great_lake_walkway_biking_hiking_lakeside_pathway_ride_ebike_winter_supervolcanic_family_friendly_couple_riders_large_2580x1440

Voted New Zealand's Favourite Urban Ride in 2017, the Great Lake Pathway along Taupo's lakefront is bike riding at its most basic level — even tots with training wheels can cope with this ride. Perfect for the whole family with great lunch, coffee, ice-cream and picnic spots along the way.

Huka Trails

2504_img_taupo_town_huka_trails_biking_family_friendly_bikers_riding_river_side_large_2580x1440

The Huka Trails vary between grade 1 to 3 and meander along both sides of the Waikato River, connecting Taupo town with Huka Falls, Aratiatia Dam, the Wairakei Tourist Park and Craters Mountain Bike Park. Take a leisurely short ride or make a day of it.

Waikato River Trails

2504_img_mangakino_waikato_river_trails_biking_swing_bridge_couple_riding_over_supervolcanic_large_2580x1440

Sections of the Waikato River Trails are suitable for children of all ages. These are the Karapiro, Maraetai and parts of the Whakamaru sections. The Waipapa & Arapuni sections are more suited to older teenagers.