Last Updated: 11th Oct 2024
Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam Loop
Last Updated: 11th Oct 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 15 ?
Gnarl Factor: 13 ?
17.0km
235m
235m
400m
Last Updated: 11th Oct 2024
Last Updated: 11th Oct 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 15 ?
Gnarl Factor: 13 ?
17.0km
235m
235m
400m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Riverside
Open farmlands
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +4.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.6%
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2:30
Slow
1:45
Moderate
1:15
Fast
This is a loop heading anti clock wise, there are blue markers along the way. Starting from the south corner of the Mountain Bike Hire shop head south towards Huka falls. Cross the Waikato river on the foot bridge and take the track straight ahead ("MTB this way" sign). Follow this north along the river. At the under pass head right, under State Highway 1 along the Huka- Aratiatia walkway. When you reach the dam cross the bridge to loop back south on the west side of the river. There is a short stint on the road (1km), after going under SH1 again, turn left into a parking lot. The track proceeds on the right hand corner of this car park. The track continues along the back of Wairakei Resort, and crosses paths with a hot stream! It then comes out on to Karetoto road, cross on to the left hand side and follow the track that runs parallel to the road, heading back toward the start point.
There is heap to see: Huka falls, the Aratatia dam, Wairakei Geothermal power station, a hot stream.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
There is room for parking on Huka Falls road opposite the Hub Cafe/ Souvenir Outlet & Mountain Bike Hire
5 km
5 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Pack water
N/A
Watch out for mountain bikers
Paetiki Bakery
20 Spa Road, Taupo
Maybe the best pies around! They have a large selection of gourmet pies and have won some awards.
The Hub Cafe
415 Huka Falls Rd, Wairakei
This is right next to the start/finish point, if you are feeling peckish.
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Great run! Did this a few days ago. A few mtbikers around and tourists at falls. I took my dog and had no problems at all.
July 23, 2020
Really nice running. Plenty of interesting sidelines. Was at Wairakei Resort for a conference, just walked out the door and did the loop
October 30, 2019
A really pleasant bit of trail to cruise along on. Would trade again.
August 20, 2019
I did this today in the heat which made it tough going. Meet a few MTBers on the way so watch out and the dam was busy with tourists. Otherwise a great run. After returning to Huka falls I grab an ice block at the shop (note toilets cost 50c to use there) are that and then ran back to Taupo via the redwoods track which was stunning. So adding to 5kms to this 17km was a good day out!
January 12, 2018
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